All Stages of Gum Disease—And How to Put a Stop to It!

Gum disease is a progressive condition that, if untreated, gets worse over time. To stop it and prevent further damage, it is crucial to recognize its stages and get early intervention with a dentist in Savannah, TX.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the stages of gum disease, equipping you with the information to detect it early and protect your smile—and your overall well-being.  

What Is Gum Disease and What Are Its Stages?

Gum disease is an infection in the gums caused by tooth decay. When plaque accumulates under the gums, these get inflamed and sore. Progressively, they'll start receding, which can have several consequences for your overall oral health.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first indication that your gums are being attacked. If your gums are red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, your body is alerting you to an excessive number of bacteria.

Luckily, gingivitis can be reversed. By paying closer attention to your oral hygiene regimen and getting your teeth cleaned professionally, you can typically restore your oral health.

Stage 2: Moderate Periodontitis

If you ignore your gingivitis or fail to notice it, you may start experiencing moderate periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease.

The spaces between your teeth and gums, or periodontal pockets, get deeper when you have moderate periodontitis, which gives bacteria a place to grow. This may result in loose teeth and a change in the way you bite because the infection may begin to eat away at the bone that supports your teeth.

Some symptoms of moderate periodontitis can be bad breath, noticing that your bite feels different when you bite, and persisting bleeding gums. During this stage, periodontitis is still treatable, but the damage will be more serious the longer you wait.

Stage 3: Severe Periodontitis

Severe periodontitis is a critical stage of gum disease.

Because of how severe the progression is, bone and tissue loss may result. This lack of structural support causes the teeth to become loose, even risking tooth loss.

Gum recession has also led to exposed tooth roots, which cause sensitivity. Painful, pus-filled infections called abscesses can form. At this point, the only solution is an aggressive treatment like root scaling to prevent damage from extending.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

The most severe and damaging stage of gum disease is severe periodontitis. Too much bone loss causes teeth to shift, become unstable, and eventually fall out.

Eating can become uncomfortable, and there are more complicated treatment options. Surgery is frequently necessary to save the remaining teeth at this stage of gum disease.  

Chronic inflammation brought on by severe periodontitis can have a detrimental effect on general health and may make diseases like diabetes and heart disease worse.

Treat Your Gum Disease with a Dentist in Savannah, TX

There is more to periodontal disease than just foul breath and bleeding gums—it’s a serious and complex condition that can wreak havoc far beyond your mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, no matter the stage of the disease, reaching out to a dental professional is key.

To prioritize your dental health, contact Savannah Dental Care and find a qualified dentist who can help you!

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