In the United States, more than 42% of adults 30 years or older suffer from some form of gum disease, while almost 8% experience advanced periodontal disease.[1] Most people assume that it’s easy to tell if they’re suffering from gum issues, but the early stages of periodontal disease often go unnoticed.
To help you have a clearer understanding of gum disease, the team at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester has put together a guide that outlines the different stages of periodontal disease, symptoms to watch for, and steps to take to treat it.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. It develops when poor oral hygiene has allowed plaque and tartar to build up. The bacteria in your mouth can mix with sugars and starch to create a sticky substance called plaque, which wears away at your enamel, and harms your gums.
If it is not properly removed, the plaque can mix with minerals in your saliva and form a substance called tartar.[2] This buildup can result in mild symptoms of gum disease that include:[3]
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
When you schedule regular dental appointments, your periodontist can spot the early signs quickly, allowing you to treat gingivitis before the condition worsens. To treat gingivitis, you will need a professional cleaning, which includes scaling. Scaling involves removing tartar and bacteria from the tooth crowns.[3]
You must also focus on oral hygiene, regularly brushing and flossing twice daily. By paying extra attention to your oral hygiene routine, you can stop the progression of the disease.
Mild Periodontitis
Mild periodontitis is another stage of gum disease. When gingivitis progresses, bacteria seep into the gumline, affecting the underlying bone that supports the teeth. One of the telltale signs is seeing the gum pull away, creating tiny pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
Getting professional treatment from your periodontist is essential at this point. You won’t be able to access these pockets with your toothbrush or floss, so you need a professional cleaning to remove the bacteria and control its accumulation. Additionally, this amount of bacteria can put a strain on your immune system, making other infections more likely.
At this stage, there is very little bone loss, which means that your periodontitis is still reversible.
Moderate Periodontitis
When bacteria are given free rein over your gums, they can begin to wear ligaments down. Ligaments are the soft tissues that hold your teeth in the jawbone. You can experience symptoms like the following:
- Bad breath
- Pus on the gums
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
As the disease progresses, bone loss can occur. At this stage, treatment options include scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and ongoing periodontal maintenance as recommended by your periodontist. Scaling and planing involves removing tartar and bacteria and smoothing tooth roots so bacteria can’t stick.[3] You will need to pay special attention to your oral hygiene and make lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking and adjusting your diet.
It’s essential to also know that moderate periodontitis can put you at risk of other health issues. There are connections between oral diseases and system-wide inflammation that can result in heart health issues and autoimmune disorders.[4]
Advanced Periodontitis
If the disease progresses, you can face continued bone loss, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. You will see your gums continue to pull away from your teeth, leaving visible tooth roots. You may also experience increased sensitivity when consuming cold or hot foods and drinks. Your gums will also be red and swollen, which could be painful. They can also easily bleed.
Advanced periodontitis is not reversible because bone loss has already occurred, but getting treatment is essential to remove the infection. In some cases, bone grafts may be an option. It is imperative that you receive prompt treatment from a periodontist at this stage as it can lead to systemic issues with your overall health.
Learn More About the Stages of Periodontal Disease
Healthy gums are pink and don’t appear swollen. If you start noticing blood when you brush your teeth or feel a bit of swelling, it’s essential that you contact a periodontist. The earlier you catch periodontal disease, the easier it is to treat it.
At Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester, we recommend scheduling regular visits to allow our periodontists to examine your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Often, the early symptoms are so mild that you may not notice them. This is even more important if you have had periodontal issues before or have certain risk factors.
Contact us and schedule an appointment with our team by calling 585-534-3346.
Sources:
[1] https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/gum-disease-by-the-numbers
[2] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002044.htm
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453