What are various stages of Gum Diseases?

Are you constantly experiencing bleeding gums or discomfort around your gum line? These can be the symptoms of gum diseases, clinically known as periodontal diseases. The symptoms of these diseases can start appearing to anyone, irrespective of their age. Let us understand various stages of gum diseases in detail to find out how severe is your gum disease.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

This first stage of periodontal diseases refers to inflammation of gums. Clinically known as gingivitis (gingival = gums, itis = inflammation) starts developing when there is excessive plaque buildup around the gums or lower parts of the teeth. These buildups start irritating the gums and result in itchy and tender gums. The irritation happens due to the release of toxins by plaque bacteria. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. In simple words, there isn’t any damage to the jaw bone in this stage.

Symptoms of Stage 1

• Tender, red, swollen, and sore gums.
• Gum bleeding while brushing in most cases.
• Bad breath in several cases.
• Gum recession or the formation of pockets between teeth and gums is also experienced by some individuals.

Gingivitis is relatively a mild form of gum disease and is easily reversible if treated well in time. The worst part about this stage is that it is often overlooked and ignored due to minor symptoms.

Stage 2: Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. Early periodontitis is a stage when the gums are even more inflamed, and a partial tooth bone loss is experienced. This results in loose permanent teeth. In simpler words, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets are the thriving sites for more bacteria and germs. Also, in this stage, the plaque build-ups harden into tartar (calculus) and become difficult to remove while brushing. The buildups reach below the gumline and become difficult to remove. Periodontitis can be treated with the help of medication and non-surgical methods such as in-depth cleanings, scaling and root planing.

Symptoms of Stage 2

• More gaps between the teeth and gums.
• Painful, red, bleeding gums.
• Bad breath.
• Jawbone loss leading to loose, shaky teeth.

Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis

This stage is referred to as the irreversible gum disease stage where the jaw bone and gums are highly affected. During advanced or severe periodontitis, the connective gum tissues are destroyed. The permanent teeth may lose so much support that either they fall out or need to be removed forever. A root scaling treatment can work to some extent to cure advanced periodontitis. Tooth extraction and intense cleaning are the only options if root scaling doesn’t work.

Symptoms of Stage 3

• Deep pockets between the teeth and gums.
• Pus filled in these deep pockets or gaps.
• Swelling around the root of the teeth.
• Improper bite or misaligned teeth due to damaged connective tissue.
• Excessive pain and discomfort.
• Frequent bleeding.
• Tooth decays, caries, and cavities in most cases.

Are you facing any of these symptoms? If yes, then you must not ignore them. They may be the starting points of serious periodontal diseases. Rush to your family dental clinic and meet your dentist today. They will check your oral condition and let you know the cause of your discomfort. Accordingly, they will provide the best treatment for your gum disease.