understanding the progression of gum disease

Understanding the Progression of Gum

Disease By Timothy Gillespie

Serving patients throughout Asheville and Western North Carolina, Timothy Gillespie, DMD, undertakes diverse restorative and cosmetic procedures. Among Dr. Timothy Gillespie’s areas of expertise are crowns, implants, veneers, and periodontal treatment.

Caused by bacteria and mucus in the mouth, periodontal or gum disease involves the buildup of colorless and sticky plaque residue, which coats the teeth if they are not regularly brushed and flossed. When plaque has been on the teeth too long, it forms hardened tartar, which does not easily brush off.

Introduction

Too much plaque and tartar lead to the early gingivitis stages of periodontal disease. Involving inflamed gums, gingivitis can typically be reversed through a combination of dental cleaning and conscientious daily hygiene. Untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which results in the inflamed gum pulling away from the tooth and creating infection-prone gaps. Ultimately, connective tissues and bone that keep the tooth’s position fixed can deteriorate, resulting in a situation where the tooth needs to be pulled.

Gum Disease