The Stage, Factors and Related Conditions of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease is a chronic infection of the gums often caused by poor oral hygiene. It can cause bad breath, painful chewing, sensitivity and swelling around your gums, and potentially tooth loss. If it is not properly treated, it will continue to cause destruction to your oral health.

Keep reading to learn more about the stages of periodontal disease and methods of treatment.

Gum disease may cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but could also have more severe symptoms. The early signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing teeth
  
• Redness or swelling around the gums
  
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away

Later symptoms you may see if the disease has progressed are:

• Receding of the gums
  
• Pockets forming between your teeth and gums
  
• Loose teeth
  
• A noticeable difference in the way your teeth fit together or when you close your mouth
  
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Certain health conditions may put you at a higher risk for gum disease or gingivitis. Chronic illness or diseases that have impacted your immune system put you at a higher risk for periodontal disease. People with cancer, HIV, or diabetes may be more likely to get periodontal disease.

Other factors that increase the likelihood of gum disease are hormonal changes. During pregnancy, menopause, puberty, or menstruation, a person's gums are more sensitive and susceptible to gingivitis. Smoking also raises your risk of periodontal disease significantly, as nicotine affects the blood vessels and salivary glands.

Older people, smokers, or people with poor immune health may be at a higher risk for periodontal disease, but it can affect anyone of any age. If you do not take proper care of your teeth or gums, you are putting yourself at risk for gingivitis and gum disease.

According to the CDC, almost 50% of adults 30 years old or older have a form of periodontal disease. People aged 65 and older have an increased risk, 70.1%. Reports also show that periodontal disease is higher among people who live below the federal poverty line.

Gum disease refers to the severe inflammation of gums when bacteria infects the tissues surrounding your teeth. This bacteria, mucous, and the food you eat all work to form a film on your called plaque. Without regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist, plaque will harden and turn into tartar and can only be handled by a dentist.

Plaque and tartar cause your gums to recede and become inflamed. Poor oral hygiene and failure to maintain regular dentist appointments are likely to cause gingivitis or gum disease.

The severity and progress of gum disease (also called periodontal disease) are broken into four stages. Depending on what stage your teeth and gums are in, different prevention and treatment measures must be taken.

Stage One: Inflammation or Gingivitis

The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Signs of gingivitis include bleeding of your gums when brushing or flossing. In the beginning stage, you may start to notice the build-up of plaque on your teeth and slight discoloration. This is an indicator of harmful bacteria in your mouth and gums.

Plaque is a sticky film able to be brushed or flossed away. Products such as periodontal toothpaste may help. If you take steps to improve your oral health, you can prevent the worsening of the inflammation and plaque build-up before it progresses to stage two.

Stage Two: Early Periodontal Disease

Early periodontal disease is the second stage of periodontal disease and is not reversible. At this stage, gums start to recede and pockets begin to form in between your teeth and gums. Harmful bacteria thrive in these pockets. Plaque may begin to move down your gums and infect the roots and supporting fibers of your teeth.

Bone loss is possible at this stage. Your gums will bleed more easily and more extensive treatments will be needed to prevent the progress of the disease. A dentist may give an in-depth cleaning to clear away tartar build-up called scaling and tooth planing.

Stage Three: Moderate Periodontal Disease

Moderate periodontal disease is the third stage of periodontal disease and also not reversible. If you continue to neglect your oral hygiene, at this stage thee inflammation and recession of your gums would cause pain. Your teeth will become less supported and may become quite loose.

This stage can also trigger an inflammatory response in the body. Gum recession can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream if it is severe enough. Treatment at this stage is also the deep cleaning technique of scaling a tooth planing.

Stage Four: Advanced Periodontal Disease

At the fourth and final stage of periodontal disease, the tissues holding your teeth will deteriorate. Gums, teeth, and even the jawbone can end up destroyed if no prevention has been taken before this point. At this point, you'll likely have severe pain, bad breath, and a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away.

Pockets in your gums may contain pus or other fluids. Surgery may be needed to prevent further deterioration spreading of bacteria. Advanced periodontal disease is not reversible and likely to cause tooth loss.

One of the most important ways you can prevent gingivitis and gum disease is to maintain your oral health and make regular trips to your dentist. If you are experiencing any of the stages of gum disease, it's important to see your dentist for treatments such as cleanings or more extensive procedures if needed.

If you have questions about dental health or treatment plans, contact us. We look forward to helping you.