Dental plaque, a sticky fungus that forms on the teeth after you've eaten and haven't brushed, causes periodontal disease. If oral hygiene habits slip, plaque will harden and turn into tartar that can only be removed by your dentists, Dr. David Kahn & Dr. John Pergolizzi, in Ringwood, NJ. In recent years, periodontal disease has increasingly become linked to oral-systemic health, which means a healthier mouth sets the stage for an enhanced quality of life.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Red, tender, and swollen gums
• A buildup of dental plaque or calculus on the teeth
• Tooth loss (In severe cases)
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Different Types of Periodontal Disease

• Gingivitis - Gums will quickly become tender; can be reversed in its mildest stage.
• Periodontitis - The second stage of gum disease; caused by untreated cases of gingivitis.
• Chronic Periodontitis - This aggressive form results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment, and bone loss; teeth may become loose and unsupported.

Dangers and Prevention

No one expects to lose their permanent teeth within a lifetime, and no one deserves to face that situation. By maintaining a daily oral care regimen and visiting your dentists in Ringwood, NJ, every six months for routine cleanings, you can begin to see an overall improvement in your oral health. Should you have any questions, we can demonstrate the proper way to brush and floss at home so that you can prevent periodontal disease and avoid invasive periodontal therapy in the future.

If you are bothered by pain and tenderness in your gums, speak with your dentists, Dr. David Kahn & Dr. John Pergolizzi, in Ringwood, NJ, to schedule an oral exam and discuss your treatment options. For questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please call (973) 835-3900. To request an appointment, visit our website.