Characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease is reversible with professional treatment and diligent home oral care. If left untreated, however, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, advanced gum disease. As tartar and plaque continue to build up, pockets form between the teeth and gums and the gums may begin to recede. As the pockets become deeper, the disease destroys more gum tissue and progresses to the bone, which can eventually cause teeth to become loose or fall out.
The best way to prevent serious periodontal disease is to get serious about your oral hygiene. It's the best thing to start it sooner. Periodontal disease can begin in the adolescent or teenage years, when the inviduals on this age bracket rarely floss for weeks, months, sometimes years at a time. Food and bacteria get stuck between the teeth and are never removed and break down by nature. Parents need to remind their children to floss in the early years so it becomes an ingrained habit.
