801-763-5555 
Gum disease has two different stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. These stages can be extremely dangerous for your smile and oral health if you don’t get them treated right away. So, to help you know more about these stages so you can take better care of your oral health, our Blackhurst Dental dental team is happy to provide the following information:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It develops when the plaque on your teeth is left untreated. As time passes, the plaque grows and irritates your gums, making them red and swollen and even making them bleed easily when you brush and floss your teeth. Oftentimes little to no discomfort is experienced at this stage. The best way to treat this version of gum disease is to have a professional dental cleaning and to make improvements to your oral hygiene routine.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to the more serious form of gum disease, which is known as periodontitis. This develops when the plaque turns into a bacterial-rich substance known as tartar. The tartar severely irritates the gums and makes them pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. Then, the pockets fill with infection and the tartar spreads underneath the gumline. As time passes, the tartar destroys the underlying bone and tissues, causing loose and lost teeth. The only ways to treat this stage is to receive laser periodontal therapy, undergo scaling and root planing treatments, and take prescribed antibiotics.
The best ways to prevent this disease are to brush your teeth twice a day, floss and rinse daily, and visit your dentist, Dr. Robert R. Blackhurst, every six months for a routine cleaning and exam. Doing these things can help you remove the plaque from your smile on a regular basis, reducing your chances of falling victim to gum disease in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
For more information and details, please call 801-763-5555 at your earliest convenience. Our dental team will be happy to help you in any way we can.