The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum Disease Tyler, TX

Most adults experience some degree of gum disease during their lifetime, but it does not necessarily lead to tooth loss. Understanding how to identify and treat the stages of this common ailment can prevent it from spreading and reduce its impact.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. It starts with a build-up of bacteria that form a sticky substance called plaque over the teeth. The trapped food particles feed bacteria that migrate to the gums, eventually causing the following symptoms: 

  • Swelling and pain 
  • Redness and bleeding 
  • Loose teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Foul taste in the mouth
  • Change in bite

What are the stages of gum disease?

There are four stages of infection that a dentist can identify. The stage determines the treatment. 

Gingivitis

The earliest manifestation of gum disease is gingivitis, characterized by bleeding gums and bad breath. Unless there is pain or discomfort, people often ignore these symptoms. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with professional dental cleanings and rigorous home care.

Early periodontitis

Swelling and bleeding during flossing are symptomatic of early-stage periodontitis. Bacteria cause gaps between the teeth and gums and begin to wear away at the supporting bone. This condition cannot be reversed, but it is possible to prevent further progression by increasing the frequency of deep dental cleanings and diligent home care efforts.

Moderate periodontitis

Painful gums that bleed or ooze pus indicate moderate periodontitis. Pockets between the teeth and gums deepen, and bone loss increases. Gums also begin to recede, exposing tooth surfaces that they usually cover. Cleaning and scaling are necessary to prevent bacteria from migrating to the bloodstream.

Advanced periodontitis

Pain, bleeding, and severe bone and tooth loss occur at this stage. Surgical intervention is necessary to remove bacteria from deep pockets. Patients have a much higher risk of systemic health problems caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream. 

Who is at risk?

Gum disease generally increases with age, and it is relatively common among the elderly. Others who are especially susceptible include:

Anyone with an autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases can cause symptoms that manifest in the mouth and affect the teeth. For example, patients with Sjogren's syndrome cannot produce adequate saliva flow to wash away bacteria-breeding food particles. These patients may experience any stage of gum disease.

Anyone who smokes

Smoking can adversely affect the immune system, preventing it from combating oral bacteria. For this reason, the progression to late-stage periodontal disease can be rapid among smokers. 

Women experiencing hormone changes

Hormonal changes at various life stages and pregnancy can cause increased blood flow to the gums, decreased saliva production, bone loss, and an inability to fight infection. The consequences range from reversible gingivitis to permanent tooth loss. 

Anyone with poor oral hygiene

Most dentists advise their patients to brush at least twice per day and floss at least once per day. Individuals who fail to follow these guidelines are vulnerable to advanced gum disease from an accumulation of oral bacteria.

Conclusion

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings and diligent home care can identify early-stage gum disease and keep it from advancing. A healthy mouth can also prevent a wide range of unwanted complications throughout the body.

Request an appointment here: https://www.timsmithdental.com or call Tim Smith Dental at (903) 592-5934 for an appointment in our Tyler office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Tyler, TX.

Recent Posts

How A Good Daily Oral Routine Is Vital For Preventive Dentistry

Practicing preventive dentistry at home allows you to reap many benefits for your general health. Brushing and flossing every day is a basic way of keeping your mouth in good shape. Having healthy teeth and gums helps support your whole body’s health. If you want to find out why good everyday dental hygiene is important…

When Should You See A Dentist For Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry deals with dental procedures to prevent dental issues, and it is critical for anybody who wants to keep their natural teeth for the rest of their life. Dentists used to spend most of their time treating dental issues rather than preventing them.Due to people's overly busy schedules, it is easy to put off…

Why Is Preventive Dentistry Important?

Preventive dentistry can support your efforts to keep your mouth healthy, including practicing good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding things that can damage your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene goes a long way in helping to prevent common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, but sometimes it is…

Everyday Preventive Dentistry Tips For Adults

The role of preventative dentistry is to minimize the risk of future dental issues in patients. Read on to learn some tips that encourage the prevention of oral issues. If you have experienced and treated dental issues in the past, you will attest that it is better to prevent them from happening in the first…

Recent Posts

How A Dental Sealant Can Prevent Cavities

How A Dental Sealant Can Prevent Cavities

A dental sealant is a thin coating of composite resin that protects your teeth from decay. It is applied to the pits and grooves of your teeth’s biting surfaces, preventing bacteria, food particles, and acids from getting into them.Dentists are more likely to recommend dental sealant for teeth in the back of the mouth like…

Common Questions About Implant Supported Dentures

Common Questions About Implant Supported Dentures

Considering implant supported dentures? These prosthetics are one of the most common tooth replacement options as they offer a hybrid approach, combining dentures with dental implants. Keep reading to find out more! Outlined below are a few commonly asked questions and answers about implant supported dentures. It can be helpful to review these when looking into…