Gum Disease Effective Periodontal Treatment in Southfield

How to Determine the Stages of Gum Disease

• Phase One - Gingivitis: During this stage, gums may bleed during brushing or appear red and/or swollen



• Phase Two - Early Periodontitis: Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation become more pronounced, and gums may begin to develop pockets of 3 to 4 millimeters in depth. X-rays may reveal a slight loss of bone.



• Phase Three - Moderate Periodontitis: Pockets between teeth and gum may range from 4 to 6 millimeters in depth. X-rays reveal bone loss.



• Phase Four - Advanced Periodontitis: Pockets are now in excess of 6 millimeters deep, and x-rays show severe bone loss. Teeth may become mobile or loose.

Major Cause of Tooth Loss in Adults

What Causes Gum Disease?

• Smoking: - Smoking is the #1 behavioral risk factor in periodontal disease. If you smoke now... stop smoking.



• Stress: Emotional stress may increase risk by depressing the immune system, making it more likely for a bacterial infection to gain a foothold. Holistic and behavioral therapies are available to help manage this particular factor.



• Medical conditions: Diabetes is well known to increase susceptibility by impairing the immune system and decreasing production of collagen and bone.



• Genetics: Heredity can be a risk factor in about 50% of patients with periodontal disease.



• Medications: Many medications can have harmful effects on oral health. These include certain heart and anti-seizure medications.



• Aging: Advancing age and other miscellaneous at-risk factors including poor nutrition and changes in female hormones production can make women more susceptible to periodontal disease.

Advanced Periodontal Research

Relationships with other diseases

• Heart Disease: Researchers found that men suffering from advanced periodontal disease were 4 1/2 times more likely to have coronary artery disease.



• Stroke: A study showed that 70% of the fatty deposits found in the carotid arteries of stroke sufferers contained bacteria -- 40% of which came from the mouth.



• Diabetes: While we’ve long known that diabetics were at increased risk of periodontal disease, new studies have shown that periodontal disease makes it much harder for diabetics to control blood glucose levels.



• Respiratory Disease: Dental plaque buildup creates a dangerous source of bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs. Inhaling bacteria from the mouth and throat can lead to pneumonia.



• Low birth-weight babies: Research has found that women with untreated periodontal disease had a much greater incidence of low birth-weight babies.