Gum disease affects nearly half of adults (47.2%) aged 30 and older. Understanding the stages of gum disease can help you maintain a healthy smile and prevent serious dental problems.
Learn how to identify and combat gum disease before it affects your oral health and smile. From early warning signs to advanced stages, get the insights you need to protect your teeth and gums.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins with bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. Tartar irritates gum tissue, causing inflammation and damage to the structures supporting your teeth.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene. Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up and harden.
- Smoking. Tobacco use is a major risk factor because it restricts blood flow to the gums, lowers saliva production, and leads to dry mouth.
- Genetic predisposition. Some people are more prone to gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
- Diabetes. High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of infections, including gum disease.
- Certain medications. Drugs that reduce saliva flow, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can lead to gum problems.
The Four Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses through four distinct stages, each with unique symptoms and severity. Dentists use techniques like dental probes to measure gingival pocket depth: 1-3 mm is healthy, while 4 mm or higher indicates gum disease. Early recognition can help you prevent serious oral health damage.
1. Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which has symptoms like red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing. It occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up and irritates the gums. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with proper care.
Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar, restoring your gums to health.
2. Early Periodontitis
Early periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease, recognizable by increased inflammation and deep pockets between teeth and gums. It can also involve early bone loss around your teeth.
Effective treatments include scaling and root planning, which involves deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Antimicrobial therapies, like antibiotic gels or mouth rinses, help reduce bacteria and inflammation, promoting healing and preventing further progression.
3. Moderate Periodontitis
Moderate periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease, with gum pockets deepening to 5-7 mm and around 30% bone loss. This leads to gum recession and potential tooth instability.
Treatment includes more frequent scaling and root planing, laser therapy and sometimes surgical interventions like flap surgery or bone grafts to restore lost bones and support structures.
4. Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the most critical stage of gum disease, marked by gum pockets exceeding 7 mm in depth and extreme bone loss that can often lead to your teeth becoming loose or falling out.
At this stage of gum disease, non-surgical treatments are typically ineffective. You’ll likely need treatments like pocket reduction surgery and guided tissue regeneration. You may also need to visit the dentist more frequently for ongoing maintenance and regular monitoring to prevent further deterioration.
Prevention of Gum Disease
Preventing gum disease is crucial for a healthy smile and overall well-being. Follow these steps to protect your gums:
- Good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day to remove plaque and prevent buildup. Floss daily to clean between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Regular dental check-ups. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and early detection of any issues.
- Lifestyle changes. Quit smoking to improve gum health and overall wellness. Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids to support your gums.
- Managing underlying health conditions. Keep conditions like diabetes under control to reduce the risk of gum disease.
Protect Your Smile with Valley Dental Care
Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile. At Valley Dental Care, we help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Don’t wait until gum disease affects your smile. Schedule your check-up today and get the personalized care you deserve!