Once full blown periodontitis takes hold it is very hard if not impossible to prevent serious repercussions; e.g., receding gums, a weakened jawbone structure and eventual tooth loss. The secret is to catch the signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) before it can develop further. A periodontal evaluation will measure the depth of the spaces between the teeth to check for recession; a measurement of more than 4 mm may indicate further assessment. Visit our Elite Smiles of Louisville website, https://www.elitesmileslou.com to learn more about preventive care and to schedule an evaluation today.