What You Should Know About Gum Disease Part 25

What You Should Know About Gum Disease Part 25

What Do Those Words Mean?

You may have heard the terms gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.   What do they really mean though?

In actuality, I would say, they are they same exact disease process in different stages.

Gingivitis would be considered 'mild' gum disease and is actually reversible.  That just means that  in the very beginning, if you can stop it,  the tissues that support your tissue will not sustain permanent damage.

Once you go beyond gingivitis, you have probably obtained some tissue damage.   But, often people do not even know or notice this.   It can go on for years like that.   The damage accumulates over time.

Then, even though it took a long time, you might notice that your gums have receded a bit, leaving you with a 'long in the tooth' appearance  or 'longer'.  You might think it was 'sudden' but usually it is not.  Yet, it still may not seem so bad to you.  

Then, as time goes by, enough supporting structure has been damaged that the tooth starts to loosen.  Next, the tooth could reach the stage of needing to be pulled or falling out on its own.

This would necessitate the need for implants or dentures.   Tooth extractions and implants can be quite costly.   Gum grafts may be needed to replace lost gum tissue  - and they are also expensive.

Many insurance companies view this as something they won't pay full price for.  So you really are left with bearing a lot of the costs.

The Damage

Aside from the costs, there is the damage to your gums and the possible loss of teeth.   I would say that it is safe to assume that most people would like to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime of good service.

Gum disease is the number one reason that people lose teeth.   You would think it would be something glamorous like kick boxing or something.  But, it is truly gum disease that takes the prize when it comes the responsibility for most people losing their teeth.

Who Has Gum Disease?

Well, quite frankly MOST people have gum disease.   Dental professionals often quote thee rate as 75% of people.   That would be 3 out of every 4.   If you were to line up 8 people do you think six of them would believe they had gum disease, even if you told them? 

The Point

Few people outside of the dental profession understand the key point that most people have gum disease.   That is why I wrote the book:  What You Should Know About Gum Disease

David Snape  Google
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1-888-586-6849

PS: You might also like the free guide:  How To Stop Gum Disease In 4 Easy Steps

Part 24 

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Part 26

* I speak / write / create video in general terms only.  If you have specific questions about your own unique dental health situation, direct those questions to your periodontist or dentist.