Stages of Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

The Centers for Disease Control said that a person’s risk for periodontitis increases with age. Knowing the stages involved in this disease can motivate you to pay more attention to your dental health.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

This stage is still reversible. The bacteria have not reached the jawbones yet. Gingivitis results from plaque buildup. A significant symptom is gum bleeding. Most of the symptoms are painless. Studies reveal that routine dental cleanings and good oral care may cure gingivitis.

This early stage of periodontitis causes gum swelling and redness. Jawbone loss has not occurred yet. Brushing and flossing every day can help slow down or even stop the progression of gingivitis. Regular checkups can update your dentist about the status of your oral health.

Stage 2: Mild Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can lead to mild periodontitis. Your gums will start to recede at this stage. Some of the jawbones around the teeth will start to deteriorate. This will lead to deep gum pockets. Tartar and plaque can get into these pockets. When this happens, more problems will start to occur.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

More gum swelling and some pain will happen as the infection spreads. There will be more jawbone loss. Bacteria will continue to weaken the soft tissues and ligaments that support teeth. This will loosen the teeth. Gum recession and swelling will worsen as well.

Stage 4: Severe Periodontitis

Without proper treatment, periodontitis will worsen even more. Bone loss will continue. Teeth will become looser to the point of falling out on their own. Bleeding gums will come with infections around your gumline. The presence of pus will result in a foul taste in the mouth, as well as bad breath.

Severe periodontitis is the final stage in which bacterial infection can cause disease. You may need laser therapy or periodontal surgery that can clean out the deep periodontal pockets. If this stage is left without treatment, you may suffer from more tooth loss, pain, and dental gaps. Replacing some teeth will be necessary. Doing so can prevent more serious dental issues.

Treating Periodontitis

The treatment will depend on the severity of your periodontitis. Spotting the symptoms early can lead to early treatment. This can reduce or even stop the infection from worsening. Here are some periodontitis treatments to consider:

• Pocket reduction or flap surgery is a procedure in which the dentist will lift the gums back and remove the tartar. Smoothing out the irregular dental surfaces will follow. This will prevent bacteria from clinging back to the teeth. This treatment can also remove the gum pockets
   

• Dental cleanings can remove plaque and tartar from below and above the gumline
   

• Bone grafts can place healthy bone in areas that need new bone growth
   

• Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment. When the local anesthetic takes effect, the dentist will scrape off plaque and tartar using a specialized in-office tool

Gum disease is treatable and even preventable with the help of your dental care provider. At Fei Hwang, D.D.S., we are committed to providing high-quality dental services and products. Drop by our office in Milpitas, California, for an in-person consultation. Please call 408-729-7882 to set an appointment or ask about our periodontitis treatment packages.