You might experience swelling around gums or bleeding and want to know more about periodontal disease. This guide will tell you 4 stages of periodontal disease. So let’s find out!
When periodontal (gum) disease starts, its symptoms are so minimal that people often fail to notice it. As the condition gets worse, however, the symptoms become more prevalent. If you exhibit any of the issues mentioned below, please feel free to visit Smile Artisans. Our dental professionals will evaluate your oral condition and suggest you the best solution. This way, you can maintain your oral health and get the necessary treatments on time.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal diseases mainly result from infections and inflammation of the bone and gums that support your teeth. The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis, which can cause swelling and red in the gums and cause bleeding.
Here are the 4 stages of periodontal disease. The more you wait to get professional treatment, the worse your case can become.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
During the first stage, the gum is red and swollen. There is some bleeding but no bone loss. Gingivitis is also accompanied by bad breath, and it happens as a result of poor dental hygiene. At this stage, the condition can be easily remedied by improved dental care and treatment. So if you have developed this issue, your best bet is to treat it and prevent worsening of your oral health.
Stage 2: Early periodontal disease
If gingivitis is ignored, it may develop into early periodontal disease. This comes with more gum bleeding but no pain and still no bone loss. However, gingivitis has started to eat more deeply into the structures around the gum at this stage, and bone loss is imminent. Professional dental care is needed to remedy this. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Stage 3: Moderate periodontal disease
There is some bone loss in the gums (20-50%) as the tissues around the bone deteriorate. Moderate periodontitis also comes with frustrated healing, periods in which the gum tries to heal itself, but to little success. At this point, your oral health can be at stake, which needs immediate treatment.
Stage 4: Advanced periodontal disease
This stage is marked by severe bone loss (50-85%) as the tooth loses structural support from its roots. When this happens, teeth become loose, abscess forms, and the gum gets inflamed and painful. At this stage, the patient is at risk of losing their teeth, and eating becomes difficult.
While onset gum disease is not so easy to spot, your dentist will notice it before it starts to get worse if you have regular dental checkups scheduled. If you notice any inflammation in your gums, please visit your dentist. The sooner you see your dentist, the better it will be for your oral health.