Advanced Periodontitis Vs. Moderate

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a condition that affects not only the gums, but also the deeper connective tissues and the jaw bone. Periodontitis has several stages which increase in severity over time if left untreated.

Classifications

• Periodontitis is classified by the American Dental Association (ADA) by the type and severity of symptoms present. There are four class types, ranging from Class Type I through Class Type IV.

Moderate Periodontitis

• Moderate periodontitis is preceded by early periodontitis. Both the early and moderate forms can cause bad breath and bleeding gums. Moderate periodontitis also damages the connective tissue beneath the gums and possibly the jaw bone. This damage in turn causes the gums to recede and pockets to form in the gums. The pockets may contain pus.

Advanced Periodontitis

• The advanced form builds upon the damage accumulated during the moderate phase. Bone loss becomes more severe, which causes teeth to loosen and shift. Teeth may also fall out due to advanced periodontitis.

Prevention

• Adequate oral hygiene is the first step in preventing or reversing periodontal disease. Flossing once and brushing twice daily are the minimum hygiene requirements. Regular exams and cleanings by a dental professional are also important.

Warning

• If you think you may have periodontitis, talk to a dental professional. The earlier gum disease is diagnosed the better the prognosis.