How Gum Disease Develops
When oral health is neglected, the bacteria from foods will cling to your teeth and will ultimately form plaque. When this plaque begins to gather at the base of your teeth, it can cause infection in the gums. Left untreated, this infection can start to create pockets in the gums that make treating them painful, and even these symptoms will get worse if you don’t visit the dentist.
3 Stages of Gum Disease
The stages of gum disease vary greatly, with symptoms that range from mildly irritating to devastating for your mouth and teeth.
1. Gingivitis
When plaque ends up gathering at the gumline, it can lead to gingivitis. As the first and most mild stage of gum disease, gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums. One of the first signs that you may have gingivitis is if you start bleeding during basic oral care sessions, such as brushing and flossing. Treatment is still a simple process at this step and none of your gum tissues have suffered permanent damage.
2. Periodontitis
If gingivitis goes untreated, then it can evolve into the next stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. The threat to your smile is much more serious at this stage, as the gum tissue and fibers in your mouth may be permanently damaged. Another alarming symptom that is noticeable at this stage is the pockets that begin to form in your gums – these pockets trap additional plaque and food particles and can make the condition worse.
3. Advanced Periodontitis
When a patient doesn’t receive proper treatment for their periodontitis, it can worsen into the third and most severe stage of gum disease. Advanced periodontitis is characterized by gum tissue and fibers that are destroyed, devastating the stability of your remaining teeth. Teeth may become loose or fall out altogether. If your gum disease has progressed to advanced periodontitis, then surgery may be required to treat it.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you believe you have gum disease, it’s vital to have it treated as soon as possible. Neglecting gum disease even for a short time can allow it to worsen, creating more severe and expensive problems that won’t stop until they’re treated. When you notice that you have one or more of these symptoms, it’s recommended that you seek dental help at your earliest convenience.
- Teeth that appear longer due to receding gums
- Pus emerging from between your teeth
- A recurring bad taste or bad breath
- Changes in the alignment of your teeth
- Gums have pulled away, creating a pocket
- Gums are sensitive and bleed while brushing