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Understanding Your Gum Health
Gum disease is one of the most common dental conditions, and also one of the most overlooked. It often develops quietly, with few obvious symptoms in its earliest stage, yet left untreated it can lead to serious damage and even tooth loss. The good news is that when caught early, periodontal disease is highly treatable, and in its first stage it can often be reversed entirely.
At Broadway Dental of Millbrae, Dr. Donald Yang takes gum health seriously as part of your complete care. Through careful monitoring and timely treatment, we help you protect the healthy gums and bone that support your smile for the long run.
Schedule a Gum Health Evaluation
Why Early Diagnosis Is So Important
Catching periodontal disease early makes all the difference. In its earliest stage, gum disease is reversible, but as it advances it can cause irreversible damage to the gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. Early diagnosis allows for timely, less invasive treatment before that damage occurs.
The stakes go beyond your smile. If left undiagnosed and untreated, periodontal disease can progress to tooth loss and has been linked in research to various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Protecting your gums is part of protecting your overall health.
How We Diagnose Periodontal Disease
Diagnosing gum disease involves a thorough assessment of your gums, teeth, and the structures that support them. Dr. Yang performs a comprehensive examination that may include:
- Visual inspection of the gums for signs of inflammation, redness, or recession
- Measuring periodontal pocket depths using a small probe to check the space between your gums and teeth
- Dental X-rays to evaluate any bone loss beneath the gumline
Together, these steps give us a clear picture of your gum health and allow us to identify any issues at the earliest possible stage.
The Four Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease progresses in stages, and understanding them helps you recognize why early care matters so much. The earlier it is caught, the more of your natural gum and bone we can preserve
1
Gingivitis
The first and only reversible stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by inflamed, tender gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing, along with plaque buildup. With prompt care and improved hygiene, gingivitis can often be reversed completely before any lasting damage occurs.
2
Early Periodontitis
As gum disease advances, plaque hardens into calculus, also known as tartar, and the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. This creates deeper pockets where bacteria collect, and the early stages of bone loss begin. At this point the damage is no longer fully reversible, but it can be managed and controlled.
3
Moderate Periodontitis
The infection deepens, pockets grow larger, and more of the bone and connective tissue supporting the teeth is affected. Gum recession becomes more noticeable, and teeth may begin to feel less stable. More active treatment is needed to halt the progression and protect your teeth.
4
Advanced Periodontitis
The final and most serious stage, marked by significant destruction of the gums, bone, and ligament tissues that hold teeth in place. Teeth may loosen or be lost, and bone loss is severe. Treatment at this stage focuses on managing the disease, saving teeth where possible, and restoring your oral health.
Protecting and Restoring Your Gum Health
No matter what stage your gum health is in, treatment can help. Early intervention may involve a professional cleaning and improved home care, while more advanced cases may call for deeper cleaning and ongoing periodontal maintenance. Dr. Yang will tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs, always with the goal of preserving your natural teeth and keeping your gums as healthy as possible.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums
Gum disease is far easier to treat the earlier it is caught, and healthy gums are essential to a healthy smile. If you have noticed bleeding, tenderness, or recession, or it has simply been a while since your last visit, we are here to help.
We proudly welcome patients from Millbrae, San Bruno, Tanforan, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Burlingame, and Daly City.
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