Did you know most people develop some level of gum disease at some point in their life? And if you catch it early, you can often deal with it on your own.
But, when it goes unnoticed and progresses, you might have to face oral problems that put your health at risk. So, how do you address them sooner?
You want to learn the stages of gum disease and spot the symptoms before it’s too late. Here’s a quick guide to get you started!
Gingivitis
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is usually a cause of plaque buildup in the teeth. It results in inflammation and infection of the gums, but you don’t contract it at once.
It often starts with gingivitis, a condition that causes your gums to swell and bleed. You can counter it by maintaining good dental care practices and visiting your dentist often.
Note that this usually doesn’t progress unless you fail to keep up with regular oral hygiene or leave it untreated.
Initial Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis leads to the first stage of gum disease called initial or early periodontitis. Here, the inflammation in your gums starts to become destructive. And so, causing damage to other parts of your teeth, like the roots and socket.
Note that the physical signs of early periodontitis are similar to gingivitis, so it can be hard to discern. Even so, you might notice the inflammation getting worse even when you improve your dental health practices.
This happens because you cannot reverse the damage upon entering this stage. You can check out this family dentist in Rochester to see how to treat it.
Moderate Periodontitis
Moderate periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease. It occurs when inflammation and infection of the gums spreads into the tissue and bone.
At this stage, you will experience a moderate gum recession. So, the gums pull away from your teeth and form deep pockets that trap food and bacteria. Some symptoms include persistent bad breath, gum sensitivity, and loose or shifting teeth.
Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are crucial in preventing and managing this stage. You can get treatment options like deep cleaning, antibiotics, and possible surgery to restore gum health.
Severe Periodontitis
Severe periodontitis is the most advanced stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage to the gums and bones supporting the teeth.
The signs you have severe periodontitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and loose teeth. Moreover, the infection has spread to the tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. And so, it causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected.
Note that you should have an advanced periodontist treat you. Some solutions include gum surgery, tooth extraction, and more.
Learn the Stages of Gum Disease to Find the Best Treatment
Understanding the different stages of gum disease can help you maintain good oral health. It lets you know if you have gum disease and determines what stage you’re at. This way, you can look for the necessary solutions before it progresses further.
Check out more tips and guides about it on our blog.
