Understanding the Stages of Gum Disease: From Gingivitis to Periodontitis

The Importance of Understanding Gum Disease

You brush, you floss, you limit your sugar consumption, and you see your dentist twice a year. You do all this to avoid cavities and tooth decay, right? Well, yes and no. While tooth decay is a problem for oral health, gum disease is equally concerning. In fact, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can become a serious health concern if left unchecked.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is actually a group of conditions that impact the tissues in your mouth. These problems begin with gingivitis, which is an irritation of the gums due to plaque on the teeth. While this may seem insignificant, leaving it untreated can lead to significant damage, not only to the gums, but also to the bones beneath them. Gum disease can affect anyone, and the risk increases with age. Understanding how this disease progresses can help with effective management, allowing us to avoid the complications of the later stages.

The Five Stages of Gum Disease

1. The first stage of gum disease is typically the warning sign of bleeding gums. If you notice blood when you brush or floss, it could mean your gums are not healthy. Fortunately, you can often stop the progression of gum disease at this point by improving your oral hygiene, quitting smoking, and eating a nutritious diet.
2. The second stage is gingivitis. This mild inflammation results in swollen, painful gums. At this point, it is still reversible, and can be addressed through good oral hygiene practices and professional dental cleanings. Seeing your dentist regularly is important, because plaque that hardens into tartar can only be removed effectively through professional cleanings.
3. Early periodontitis creates pockets between the teeth. This is the stage at which periodontal disease becomes more difficult to address. The inflammation begins to affect the bones, rather than just the gums, and you might notice persistent bad breath. At your dental appointment, the x-rays may show slight bone loss, and the exam will definitely reveal pockets forming between the teeth and the gums. This creates an ideal place for bacteria to grow. At this point, it is crucial to take action before the gum disease causes irreversible damage. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for a deep cleaning technique known as scaling and root planing. Antibiotic therapy may be recommended as well, either topical treatments directly on the gum pockets, or oral antibiotics. Treatment can help stop the progression of gum disease, as long as it is paired with diligent oral care at home. Brush, floss, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash, to kill bacteria you may have missed. It is also advisable to have follow-up appointments every three to six months, to assess your gum health.
4. The fourth stage, moderate periodontitis, involves deeper gum pockets and increased bone loss. This stage is challenging to treat, because gum health is visibly compromised. If you reach this stage, you are likely to experience pain when chewing, and even a loosening of your molars. Advanced gum infection can result in not only bleeding but also pus discharge from the gums, and breath may become significantly worse. Treatment at this stage involves a multi-pronged approach, including not only scaling and planing, but also surgical interventions like pocket reduction surgery.
5. Advanced periodontitis results in severe damage. This final stage of periodontal disease causes serious consequences, including tooth loss, oral infections, and severe tooth pain. In fact, the pain can be disruptive to daily life, due to its severity. Treating advanced periodontitis involves advanced measures like guided tissue regeneration and bone grafting.

Reducing Your Risk of Periodontal Disease

As with many other health conditions, taking preventative, proactive measures can greatly reduce your risk of periodontal disease. It all starts with good oral care practices at home, including brushing two to three times a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and incorporating antimicrobial mouthwash into your oral care routine. It is also vital to abstain from tobacco use, because smoking and using other tobacco products make the gums more vulnerable to infections, significantly increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Finally, seeing your dentist regularly is essential in preventing gum disease. Your dentist can detect early signs of gum disease, as well as providing professional cleanings that reduce the risk of inflammation and protect the health of your gums.

Partner with Park 56 to Protect Your Oral Health

If you live in New York and you are looking for a dentist to help you maintain good oral health, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. Located in the 10022 zip code, we serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online.