Gum Disease Stages

Gum disease stages

Gum Disease Stages

The daily task of brushing and flossing your teeth is critical to stopping the progression of gum disease and reducing the associated health risks. Let’s discuss the three main stages of periodontal disease along with the steps you can take to stop its progression and save your teeth.

There Are Three Main Stages Of Periodontal Disease:

Gum Disease Stage 1: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is caused by plaque buildup around the gum line, which causes inflammation of the gums. If you neglect to brush or floss your teeth daily, this plaque buildup will trap bacteria and cause gum disease. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums. Gums that should otherwise be pink will appear red and swollen; you could experience bleeding when you brush or floss. However, at this point, gingivitis can still be reversed. The bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected.

Gum Disease Stage 2: Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will become periodontitis. The supporting bones and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged at this stage. Your gums form “pockets,” deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Your gums will recede and form gaps between your teeth. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.

Gum Disease Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis

In this final stage, periodontitis has been left untreated and has become advanced periodontitis. Bacteria allowed to grow, spread, and cause destruction has destroyed the connective tissues and bones supporting the teeth. The pockets that formed in the previous stage have become much deeper. Your teeth can shift or loosen. Loose teeth that move around in the mouth may affect your bite. In this state, aggressive treatment is needed to save the teeth.

Can Gum Disease Be Cured?

Strictly speaking, gum disease can’t be cured. That’s because it will return without proper gum disease self-care and professional periodontal treatment. Thankfully, gum disease self-care and professional treatment can control gum disease indefinitely. With the help of Sacramento Periodontics, you can take control of your periodontal disease and ultimately save your teeth. Contact us today to get started.