Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of your gums that can eventually lead to bone and tooth loss.
If you don’t treat gum disease, it will progress through several stages, each more serious than the last. The sooner you take action, the better your chance of saving your teeth.
Knowing the symptoms of each stage of gum disease is key to getting a diagnosis and starting treatment. This article will outline the stages of gum disease, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, and discuss how to prevent and treat the disease.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It’s basically inflamed gums caused by plaque buildup on your teeth.
The good news is, gingivitis is usually reversible if you catch it early. With a good cleaning from your dentist and some improvements to your at-home oral hygiene routine, you can often get your gums back to a healthy state.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
How do you know if you have gingivitis? Look for these common symptoms:
- Red, swollen, and tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Bad breath (halitosis)
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into early periodontitis. Basically, the plaque spreads below the gum line, causing damage to the tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. This is when pockets start to form between your gums and teeth. These pockets are like little traps for bacteria and food debris, which can lead to infection.
At this point, you’ll still have gum inflammation and bleeding, but it’ll be worse. When the dentist measures the pockets around your teeth (probing depths), they’ll likely be between 4 and 5 millimeters, which means you’ll need a deep cleaning. You might also see some mild bone loss on X-rays.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
At this point, we’re no longer talking about simple gum irritation. Tartar has built up, and it’s causing real damage to the bone that supports your teeth. The increased pocket depths between your gums and teeth give bacteria an even better place to thrive.
Characteristics of Moderate Periodontitis
- Tartar accumulates, leading to further bone damage.
- Increased pocket depths allow for deeper bacterial infection.
- The gums may start to recede, exposing more of the tooth root.
Impact on Oral Health
- Tooth sensitivity may increase. Probing depths are typically greater than 6mm.
- Moderate bone loss is evident on X-rays.
If you’re at this stage, you’ll definitely want to see your dentist ASAP to prevent further damage.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
Buckle up, because advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease. We’re talking irreversible damage to the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Severe Damage
At this point, you’ve got significant bone loss and deep pockets forming around your teeth.
Consequences of Advanced Periodontitis
Your teeth become loose, and, yeah, they may eventually fall out. Abscesses can form, too, which is a sign of a serious infection. This isn’t just about your mouth anymore; advanced periodontitis can impact your overall health.
If you’re at this stage, you need to be working closely with your dentist or periodontist to manage the damage and prevent further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for gum disease to go away?
That’s a tricky question because it depends on the stage of gum disease and how aggressively you treat it. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can often be reversed within a couple of weeks with diligent oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash) and a professional cleaning. However, periodontitis, the more advanced form, can’t be completely cured but can be managed with ongoing treatment. The timeline for improvement with periodontitis varies significantly based on the severity and the individual’s response to treatment.
What are the 5 stages of gum disease?
While the categorization can sometimes vary, gum disease is generally viewed as progressing through these stages:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
- Slight Periodontitis: Bone loss begins, and pockets start to form between the gums and teeth.
- Moderate Periodontitis: Increased pocket depth, more bone loss, and potential gum recession.
- Severe Periodontitis: Significant bone loss, deep pockets, gum recession, and potential tooth loosening.
- Advanced Periodontitis: Substantial bone loss, significant tooth mobility, and a high risk of tooth loss.
The bottom line
You can usually prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing every day and by scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist.
Treatment options depend on the stage of gum disease but may include scaling and root planing (SRP), laser gum therapy (LANAP), guided tissue regeneration, and even osseous surgery.
It’s important to detect and treat gum disease as early as possible. Doing so can protect your gums and help you prevent tooth loss.