Gum disease or periodontal disease is a common oral health issue that a person faces, and if it is left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences. Tender gums that bleed easily are the first warning signs of gum disease that you need to understand and consult a doctor. If this first sign is ignored, then it can take new forms and progress in various stages. Thus, there are multiple stages of gum disease.
In this article, we will understand the various stages of gum disease and how to treat them. If you are facing any dental issues, then it would be great to consult an expert dentist, such as a general dentist in Boston, MA, or another such place in Boston. They can also guide you through the stages of gum disease and how to stop it from progressing further.
What are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gingivitis
It is known as the early stages of gum disease, in which the gums are inflamed. It is generally caused by plaque buildup in the gums. Plaque is formed by the accumulation of sticky bacteria on the teeth and the gums. If you do not maintain your regular hygiene by brushing or flossing, then this plaque can irritate your gums by leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding.
Common symptoms of gingivitis are red and swollen gums, bleeding gums while brushing or flossing, bad breath, and tenderness in the gums. However, it is essential to remember that gingivitis is reversible if you take the required precautions. You must maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and using antibacterial mouthwash to remove plaque buildup. It must be added to regular dental visits to maintain healthy gums and prevent gingivitis.
Early Periodontitis
If you ignore the first stage and if gingivitis is not treated correctly, then it will advance to early periodontitis. At this stage, the inflammation will increase and spread to the bone supporting the teeth. Thus, it will pull the gums supporting the teeth and form pockets. These pockets are not suitable for dental health. If it is not treated well at this stage, then you can face loss of teeth.
The early symptoms of periodontitis disease are increased bleeding and swelling of the gums, receding gums, formation of pockets between teeth and gums, and mild bone loss, which will be detectable by x-rays. Early periodontitis requires more intensive treatment than gingivitis. So, you have to take care of your oral hygiene, and doctors also recommend scaling and root planing. There will be a deep-cleaning procedure that will remove the plaque and tartar from the gum line and clean the gums to reattach.
Moderate Periodontitis
As periodontitis progresses, the destruction of the bone and connective tissues will increase. The pockets between the teeth and the gums will also increase, allowing more bacterial formation and accumulation in the pockets, leading to more damage.
Common symptoms of moderate periodontitis are persistent bad breath, pus between the teeth and gums, noticeable gum recession, mild bone loss, and shifting or loosening of the teeth. The treatment procedure in moderate periodontitis may involve extensive scaling and root planing along with some antibiotics to reduce bacterial infection. There can be some surgical procedures, such as flap surgery or bone grafts. Maintenance of rigorous oral hygiene is very essential for treating moderate periodontitis.
Advanced Periodontitis
It is considered the most severe stage of gum disease. In this stage, there is extensive damage to the connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth. There will be deep pockets, severe gum recession, and a high level of tooth mobility. There is a risk of tooth loss at this stage, and this is a dangerous condition for any person.
The treatment procedure for advanced stages involves complex surgical interventions, bone and tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration, or possibly tooth extraction. Thus, to avoid such major loss, it is better to take care of your teeth and gums at the initial stages and consult an expert dentist whenever there is any minor issue.
