Gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontitis all refer to unhealthy oral conditions. It is always in your best interest to prevent gum problems early. Usually, no pain is associated with these harmful conditions. Wellness visits are the best time to catch these conditions before bone loss or infection.

Gum Health

Healthy gums are pink, don’t bleed on probing, and probe 1-3 millimeters. Professional probing by the doctor or hygienist is essential to evaluate the gum health.

Pockets

There is a gasket of gum fibers that are attached to 360 degrees around the tooth. There is always a sulcus where the gum meets the tooth, similar to a moat around a castle. This gasket of gum fibers protects us from the harmful bacteria in the mouth going into our bloodstream. The sulcus is more than 3 millimeters deep; it indicates the destruction of the protective gasket fibers and is referred to as “pockets”.

Loss of Attachment

Pockets, along with gum recession/long-looking teeth, are two forms of “loss of attachment”. Attachment loss can lead to loss of teeth, mobility, and sensitive teeth.

Bone Loss

Radiographic images can help detect bone loss.

Gum Disease

Left untreated, advanced gum infection may involve mobility of teeth, swelling or discharge of pus, also known as periodontitis.

Call us at (262) 886-9440 to schedule an appointment to know more about Gum Disease.