Stages of Gum Disease

Protecting Your Smile: Early Intervention for Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a progressive condition that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications when left untreated. Gum disease develops in stages, starting with gingivitis and progressing to periodontitis.

Understanding the stages of periodontal disease and its symptoms is essential for early detection and effective treatment. To schedule an appointment, contact our dentist in Kennett Square today by calling 610-444-6311.

healthy gums vs gum disease

Gum Disease Stages

Gingivitis

The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which is a mild inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup around the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis include:

Bleeding gums
Swollen gums
Tender or sensitive gums
Bad breath
Receding gums
Gum sensitivity
Changes in gum texture

Fortunately, gingivitis can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental cleanings.

If you have noticed signs of gingivitis, schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible. With early intervention, gingivitis can be easily treated before it progresses to more severe stages of gum disease.

Early Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to early periodontitis, which is characterized by a more significant infection that begins to affect the bone supporting the teeth.

Symptoms of early periodontitis include:

Persistent bad breath
Bleeding gums
Swollen or red gums
Gum recession
Tooth Sensitivity
Loose teeth
Formation of periodontal pockets

At this stage of gum disease, the bacteria have begun to penetrate the deeper layers of gum tissue and the surrounding bone itself, causing irreversible damage and bone loss.

To treat early periodontitis, dentists may recommend scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gum line and smoothing the tooth root surfaces.

woman holding both sides of her mouth in pain from her teeth

Moderate Periodontitis

Moderate periodontitis is the third stage of gum disease, and it’s characterized by significant bone loss and gum recession. Other symptoms include:

Deep gum pockets
Gum swelling and redness
Tooth migration or shifting
Gum abscesses
Chronic bad breath
Changes in the bite
Pain or discomfort while chewing

Treatment for moderate periodontitis typically involves a combination of scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, and possible surgical intervention. Dentists may recommend a bone graft or guided soft tissue regeneration procedure to help regenerate lost bone and gum tissue.

Advanced Periodontitis

The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis, which is characterized by severe bone loss and tooth mobility. At this severe stage, teeth may need to be extracted, and patients may require extensive reconstructive procedures to restore their oral health.

Symptoms of advanced periodontitis include:

Severe pain
Tooth loss
Gum inflammation
Severe gum recession
Pus discharge and painful abscesses
Swollen or bleeding gums

You must seek professional dental care if you’re experiencing the symptoms of advanced periodontal disease.

young woman getting her teeth examined at the dentist

How To Prevent Gum Disease in Early Stages

Here are some tips for preventing gum disease:

Maintain a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss once daily. This removes plaque before it can harden into tartar and infect the gums.
Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Swishing daily with mouthwash that contains cetylpyridinium chloride helps reduce bacteria and plaque.
Watch for Early Symptoms: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums are an early sign of gingivitis. See your dentist right away if you notice these symptoms.
Get Regular Dental Cleanings: Professional cleanings every six months allow our dentist to remove plaque and tartar from places you can’t reach with brushing and flossing.
Quit Smoking and Chewing Tobacco: Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease and suppresses the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
Manage Health Conditions: Diseases like diabetes and HIV can make gum infections worse. Keep conditions under control.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition provides essential vitamins and minerals for oral health. Limit sugary or starchy foods.
Reduce Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune response, making gum infections more likely. Practice stress-reducing techniques.
Avoid Clenching and Grinding Teeth: These habits put excess force on teeth and gums, causing problems. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

Catching gingivitis early and taking steps to improve oral hygiene can help prevent it from getting worse. Be vigilant about your gum health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gum disease be cured?

While more advanced stages of gum disease can’t be completely cured, they can be managed and controlled through proper oral hygiene practices and professional dental care. With early intervention, gingivitis can often be reversed, and the progression of gum disease can be slowed or stopped.

How long until gum disease is irreversible?

Gum disease becomes irreversible in the second and third stages. To avoid either moderate periodontitis or advanced periodontitis, maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly.

Can gum disease affect my overall health?

Yes, there’s growing evidence to suggest that gum disease may be linked to several systemic health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and potentially cause inflammation throughout the body. Managing your gum health is an important part of maintaining your overall health and well-being.

How fast does periodontal disease progress?

Periodontal disease progresses gradually yet consistently. Within just four days, the plaque buildup can reach its peak, allowing visible signs of gingivitis to appear by day five. If gingivitis is left untreated, more advanced periodontal disease can manifest in a matter of weeks.

Are You at Risk for Gum Disease? Schedule a Consultation!

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or want to learn more about how to prevent it, schedule an appointment with our Kennett Square dentist today. Don’t let gum disease go untreated and risk the potential for serious health complications.