Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a condition that affects patients of all ages. It starts with mild symptoms but can lead to serious problems like tooth loss. Knowing the stages of gum disease can help you catch it early and prevent it from getting worse.
Gingivitis: The First Stage
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It happens when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, builds up on your teeth. Plaque forms when food particles mix with bacteria in your mouth. If you don’t clean your teeth well, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates your gums.
Signs of gingivitis include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
The good news? Gingivitis can usually be reversed with good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help remove plaque and reduce bacteria. Regular dental cleanings are also important because they remove plaque and tartar.
Early Periodontitis: When Gum Disease Progresses
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can move into early periodontitis. The infection goes deeper into your gums at this stage. The gums pull away from the teeth, form small pockets, trap food, and cause pain. This can lead to more inflammation and damage to the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.
Symptoms may include:
- Gums that are receding (pulling away from the teeth)
- Small pockets forming between the teeth and gums
- Bleeding or swollen gums
Early periodontitis needs professional care. Your dentist might recommend a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This removes plaque and tartar below the gumline and helps the gums reattach to the teeth. You’ll also need to keep up with good oral care at home and attend regular dental checkups to stop it from getting worse.
Moderate Periodontitis: More Damage to Your Teeth and Gums
In moderate periodontitis, the damage to your gums and bone becomes more serious. The pockets around your teeth get deeper, and bacteria spreads further into your body. You may notice:
- Gums pulling back farther, exposing more of your teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gums that bleed easily and might feel painful
- Loose teeth
To treat moderate periodontitis, dentists often suggest a mix of deep cleaning and possibly surgery. Flap surgery can reduce the pockets by lifting the gums to clean underneath. In some cases, the patient will need bone grafts to rebuild areas where bone has been lost. These treatments can stop the disease and keep your teeth stable.
Advanced Periodontitis: The Most Severe Stage
Advanced periodontitis is the last and most serious stage of gum disease. By this point, the infection has caused significant bone loss. Your teeth are loose or are even falling out.
Common signs include:
- Gums that are swollen, inflamed, or oozing pus
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Teeth that feel loose or have already fallen out
Treatment for advanced periodontitis is more aggressive. It may include surgery to reduce pocket depth, remove infection, or regenerate lost bone and gum tissue. Your dentist might have to remove teeth and replace them with implants or dentures if the damage is too severe.
Protect Your Smile Today
If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums, don’t ignore the signs. Gum disease can get worse over time, but catching it early makes it easier to treat. At Complete Dentistry for All Ages, we’re here to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth. Call us today to schedule a visit and learn how we can support your oral health.