Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. Gum disease is often caused by a sticky film of bacteria, also known as plaque, which builds up on your teeth, usually at the gumline. If you don’t remove this plaque, it hardens into tartar and must be removed by a dentist during a professional dental cleaning. You won’t always notice the symptoms of gum disease, so it’s important to see your dentist on a regular basis. If your gums are red and swollen, bleed when you brush or floss, smell bad, your gumline is receding, your teeth are sensitive, you have a toothache when you eat, or your teeth feel loose or move around, it’s time to see your dentist. Knowing the stages of gum disease can help you find early care to minimize or prevent more serious and possibly permanent damage.
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Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first and mildest stage of gum disease. Bacteria known as plaque build up on your teeth, which causes your gums to be red and swollen, tender, and bleed when you floss or brush. Often, there are no symptoms, and you may not realize you have the problem because there is no pain. With daily brushing and flossing and by keeping your regular dental appointments, your gingivitis may resolve, and your gums may heal. If not treated, the infection may progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that affects the bone and tissues that support the teeth.
Early periodontitis
If the infection moves under the gum, the next stage is early periodontitis. At this level,you need professional help from your dentist and can no longer clean away the bacteria with brushing and flossing. Your gums start to pull away from your teeth. As pockets form, the bacterial ecosystem transitions from mostly harmless to highly damaging. This is when you start to lose the bone and connective tissue that anchors the teeth. There may be no symptoms. If you notice some, they include:
- Bleeding and receding gums
- Metallic or bitter taste
- Bad breath
- Mildly sensitive teeth
Moderate and severe periodontitis
At this level, your family dentist has tried what they can and should refer you to a periodontist for more advanced care. The gum disease has created deep pockets into the jawbone. The periodontist might still be able to save the affected teeth and help you avoid tooth loss before it is too late. Besides tooth problems, severe gum disease increases the risk of serious medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke, dementia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, some cancers, and many more conditions.
Deep Cleaning
The first line of therapy for early periodontitis is a deep cleaning under local anesthesia. If gum pockets still persist, you should see the periodontal specialist. They will probably plan a surgical cleaning of the tooth roots, with the option to bone graft or regenerate specific bone defects around your teeth. There comes a point for each tooth when extraction is the only viable option. A periodontist may recommend a dental implant when a tooth cannot be saved. Starting treatment early gives patients a better chance of preserving their natural teeth, limiting further damage, and saving lots of money on dental care in the long run.
How Is Gum Disease Identified?
Periodontal exams are important because they can identify the presence and stages of gum disease. Your dentist or periodontist will look at several things, including the distance between the gum and tooth, bleeding from the gum, and mobility of the tooth. They will also review X-rays to determine whether there has been bone loss. The doctor or periodontist will then categorize the patient into a specific stage based on the extent of bone and tooth loss, the severity of gum damage, and the complexity of treatment.
How Can I Avoid Gum Disease?
While brushing and flossing are the foundation, there are also several other steps you can take to prevent periodontal disease:
- Having regular checkups and professional cleanings
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercising, eating right, and avoiding diabetes
- Don’t smoke tobacco or cannabis
Gum Disease Periodontal Checkup
Gum disease can often be painless or mild, which can be deceptive. Diagnosis at an earlier stage is the best hope for reversing gingivitis, avoiding tooth loss, and avoiding expensive dental bills. Contact SoCO Perio to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, halitosis, or loose teeth.