{"id":389,"date":"2018-12-12T19:07:37","date_gmt":"2018-12-12T19:07:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sanmarcosdental.com\/blog\/?p=389"},"modified":"2019-01-04T22:51:52","modified_gmt":"2019-01-04T22:51:52","slug":"a-dentist-in-san-marcos-explains-the-stages-of-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sanmarcosdental.com\/blog\/a-dentist-in-san-marcos-explains-the-stages-of-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"A Dentist in San Marcos Explains the Stages of Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"woman<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease is one of the\nmost common reasons why people need to see a dentist in San\nMarcos<\/a>. Preventing this serious condition comes down to practicing the\nbasics of dental self-care. These include regular brushing and flossing and\neating a sensible diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Three\nStages of Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most cases of gum disease\nfollow a threefold pattern, each phase more serious than the last. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Gingivitis. <\/strong>The\ngums are usually somewhat tender. They may bleed during brushing. At this\nstage, the condition can usually be reversed through a combination of self-care\nand a trip to the dentist. <\/li>
  2. Periodontitis. <\/strong>By\nthis stage, the disease has moved on to the fibers and bones above the gum\nline. The patient may notice pockets of swelling around the inflamed area.\nProfessional care is crucial at this stage to prevent further damage to the\npatient\u2019s health.<\/li>
  3. Advanced periodontitis. <\/strong>The gums are extremely swollen and may leak blood or\npus. Tooth loss is almost always inevitable by this stage unless aggressive\nintervention is taken to treat the problem. The patient may suffer from severe\ndiscomfort. Some form of irreversible damage is likely present.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    As you can see, gum disease\nis nothing to ignore. Fortunately, there are steps you can take right now to\nminimize your risk of developing this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Three-Step\nPlan to Prevent Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Preventing gum disease comes\ndown to three key habits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Brushing and flossing. <\/strong>Brushing after every meal is ideal; at least twice a\nday is the absolute minimum. Taking time to brush thoroughly is critical.\nRemember the 2 x 2: you should brush for at least two minutes at a time and do\nso at least two times per day. Clean every surface of the tooth, including\nfront, back, and chewing surfaces. It\u2019s also important to floss at least once\nper day.<\/li>
    2. Eat a sensible diet. <\/strong>This includes limiting your consumption of sugars and\nsimple starches, as these foods can promote the spread of decay-causing\nbacteria throughout your mouth. But just as important is eating plenty of the\nright kinds of foods. These include lean meats and reduced fat cheeses, raw\nfruits and vegetables, and healthy whole grains.<\/li>
    3. See your dentist every six months for an oral exam and\ncleaning. <\/strong>Even the most diligent\nbrushing and flossing cannot remove all the plaque on your teeth. Obtaining\nsatisfactory results requires professional care. Seeing the dentist every six\nmonths allows your dentist to spot oral health problems while they\u2019re in their\nearliest stages.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Other Tips\nfor Preventing Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Here are some added steps you\ncan take to help keep gum disease at bay:<\/p>\n\n\n\n