5 Stages of Gum Disease You Should Be Aware Of

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Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in the adult population, compromising more smiles than tooth decay and mouth injuries combined. Luckily, it can be easily treated if diagnosed early. Learning more about gum disease can help you better understand its symptoms and spot them early.

Keep on reading to discover more about the stages of gum disease and its common symptoms. 

1. First signs

In the earliest stage of gum disease, your teeth will look seemingly healthy. Your gum line will typically look fine, with no inflammation or redness. But your gums may bleed occasionally when you chew on hard foods like apples. Even perfectly healthy gums can experience minor bleeding now and then. However, if you begin to notice it frequently, consult your dentist. A specialist will help determine whether you’re really in the early stage of gum disease.

2. Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It’s the phase when most patients typically notice the first signs of the condition. Dental plaque has begun to accumulate on your teeth, resulting in redness and inflammation. Your gum line may start bleeding more frequently, and you can even notice a small discharge of white fluid, called an exudate. 

A gum specialist can help treat gingivitis by thoroughly cleaning your teeth and removing the dangerous plaque. Don’t forget that gingivitis often indicates that it’s time for you to step up your flossing and brushing game to prevent it from recurring. 

3. Early periodontitis

If you neglect treating gingivitis, it can develop into the early stage of periodontitis. Your gums will get swollen and painful and may become paler due to decreased blood flow. Dental plaque that coats your teeth will harden and turn into a calcified deposit called tartar, which will only exacerbate the damage. At this point, your jawbone may be starting to deteriorate, and visiting a dental specialist will be necessary to decrease your odds of tooth loss. 

4. Moderate periodontitis

In its fourth stage, gum disease will start to wreak havoc on your dental health. Your gums will start to detach from your teeth, making the underlying enamel more exposed to decay. The concealed damage to your jawbone will get visible as your teeth will start to loosen, become wobbly, and shift. Besides, at this stage, a discharge will become more frequent, leading to a bad taste in your mouth. This problem indicates that infection has set in, and the risk to your teeth is now enormous.  

5. Advanced periodontitis

In the advanced stage of gum disease, your gum line will get noticeably shrunken, and significant parts of your teeth will become exposed. Most teeth will get loose, even those that may seem healthy, as the infection is now dissolving the bone in your jaw itself. If you neglect treatment, you’ll run the risk of severe tooth loss. 

Early stages of periodontitis can typically be treated and reversed with professional cleanings and courses of antibiotics. But the longer an infection persists, the more difficult it will be to cure. Advanced periodontitis will most likely require invasive surgical treatment to eliminate all signs of infections. However, even then, the damage may be too severe to be repaired. Hence, if you experience any signs or symptoms of gum disease, make visiting a dental specialist your main priority. The faster you take action, the earlier your teeth and gum line can return to full health.

The bottom line

If you’re dealing with any of the aforementioned symptoms. Don’t wait until they worsen and schedule an appointment with a dental specialist. The dentist will determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.