For some people, it takes more than a few specks of blood when brushing to finally get them to take their gum disease seriously. For those who ignore the worsening symptoms, for whatever reasons, they could find themselves moving into stages of gum disease that can’t be reversed. Take time to learn about the different stages of gum disease and learn how to spot the signs of it.
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is termed, “gingivitis.” Food residue and bacteria combine to form plaque, which grows full of toxins that agitate the gums. At this stage, the gums become swollen and irritable. Common tasks like eating or brushing might cause them to bleed.
In most cases, gingivitis can be reversed with regular teeth cleanings at the dentist’s office and daily care for your teeth and gums at home.
Periodontitis
After a while, plaque starts to harden onto teeth and forms a substance known as “tartar” or “dental calculus.” When tartar begins to amass on the roots of teeth below the gum line, it creates pockets of space between the gums and teeth. These pockets of space turn into incubators for bacteria and they also expose the tooth roots.
With the gums and tooth roots under attack, gum disease at this stage is classified at “periodontitis.” Periodontitis is the point of no return, where damage done to teeth and gums can only be managed and can’t be reversed.
Advanced Periodontitis
When gum disease is at its most severe, the teeth begin to loosen from the jawbone and will eventually fall out. At this stage, gum disease is considered “advanced periodontitis.”
Even at this stage, your dentist will have several treatment routes for gum disease that you can embark on together to stop the damage from spreading and to preserve healthy teeth and gums. Dental implants, for example, can be placed to provide reliable replacements for missing teeth.
Learn More
Schedule an appointment with a local dentist to learn more about your options for treating gum disease in Norwich, CT.
