Gum disease is a problem that affects millions of smiles in the United States. With symptoms that can range from mild (and reversible) to severe (and damaging), the urgency of catching it early on cannot be overstated. Learn whether your dentist can fight off this disease with immediate intervention and how to treat more advanced cases to avoid further harm.
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
There are four stages of gum disease that your dentist will use when determining how to handle your case:
- Stage 1 – Gingivitis is the mildest form and causes redness, swelling, or bleeding gums. Although plaque can build up on your teeth and gums at this time, regular brushing and flossing, and frequent dental cleanings can reverse the symptoms and improve the health of your smile.
- Stage 2 – Mild Periodontitis causes the gum tissues and bone to be affected. As it spreads, it damages these areas, making it impossible for at-home brushing to be enough to improve your symptoms. Deep cleaning or scaling and root planing is likely to be the recommended form of treatment.
- Stage 3 – Moderate Periodontitis includes gum pocket formation (when the gums pull away from your teeth), a change in your bite, and gaps or pus forming between your teeth. Bad breath, tender gum tissue, and gum recession are also common symptoms. Root planing and surgery may be required.
- Stage 4 – Severe Periodontitis is when painful brushing and bone loss occur, resulting in tooth loss. Dental surgery is often required to clean within the deep gum pockets, and a bone or gum graft and antibiotics might also be necessary. Without treatment, the problem can begin to affect your overall health.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
Since the only phase of gum disease that your dentist can “cure” is gingivitis, it’s imperative that you take the necessary steps to avoid it from the start. You can do this by:
- Adopting a solid oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing at home
- Keeping six-month dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist
- Giving up smoking and other harmful habits that can increase your risk of gum disease
- Cutting back on the consumption of sugars and starches
- Limit your consumption of alcohol
Gum disease is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly. The moment you notice a problem, do not wait to seek treatment. With early intervention, your dentist can save your oral and overall health from further decline.
About the Author
Dr. Derek Funk has nearly a decade of dental experience and enjoys helping patients embrace the benefits of having a healthy smile. When treating gum disease, he can reverse the symptoms if caught early enough; however, when it remains untreated or undetected for too long, he offers more advanced treatment options to minimize the potential harm it can cause. If you suspect you may have gum disease and need help to stop the spread, contact us via our website or by calling (979) 548-2184 to schedule an appointment.