Did you know that over 80% of people over 35 years old in America have gum disease?

 

Sometimes, referring to gum disease gives the impression of one single illness. However, gum disease refers to a series or range of illnesses affecting the tissue around your teeth. If you suspect that you have gum disease, your best bet of knowing for sure is the symptoms. The different stages of gum disease present different symptoms.

 

Here is what you need to know about gum disease:

 

How Gum Disease Develops

All gum disease starts in the mouth when certain bacteria are allowed to increase in volume. The bacteria that cause gum disease are always in the mouth. The problem begins when the bacteria increases and plaque develops. Lack of a routine for dental hygiene is usually the cause of these.

The first stages of gum disease do not cause pain or major symptoms. Because of this, most people will usually ignore it until it becomes a major problem.

Main Stages of Gum Disease

There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. 

 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common of the two and is the very early stage of gum disease. It will usually present symptoms like: 

 

• Gums bleeding when you brush

• Red, swollen gum tissues
  
   

Gingivitis starts to develop when you stop brushing and flossing for some time. The plaque that builds up becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria that soon becomes harmful. Gingivitis can be easily reversed by resuming routine dental hygiene or visiting your dentist for a dental cleaning. But if you do not act, gingivitis advances to periodontitis.

 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the more serious version of gum disease. It is much more destructive than gingivitis and is usually uncurable. All you can do when you get to this stage is manage its progress. There are four main stages of periodontitis that you need to be aware of:

 

Stage One: Early Stage

When gingivitis is left untreated, it develops into the early stage of periodontitis. The chronic inflammation of the gums begins to affect the fibers of the teeth that join them to the socket. These fibers are very important, and they do not grow back once they are damaged. 

 

The symptoms of early periodontitis are like gingivitis, and it can be hard to discern between the two. 

 

Stage Two: Moderate Stage

Moderate periodontitis differs from the early stage by the extent of damage to the fibers, the socket, and the teeth joints. The early stage may be hard to discern from gingivitis, but this stage is clear to dentists because of the permanent damage.

 

Stage Three: Severe Stage

In the severe stage, there is a real potential for tooth loss. You will still not experience pain, but you will have persistent bad breath and a weird taste in your mouth. The gums recede, making your teeth look longer. Your teeth may shift or feel loose, and you may become sore when you bite on food.

You will need to see a periodontist if you are at this stage for the best treatment options.

Stage Four: Advanced Stage

When left untreated, stage three develops into the advanced stage, where most people have already lost some teeth. The remaining teeth are loose and spaced, and the bite strength is lost completely. It can also cause other health complications like heart disease if not treated.

For more information on gum disease or to start care if you have gingivitis or periodontitis, schedule an appointment with Riverview Dental at our office in Corunna, Michigan. Call 989-743-4851 today.