Gum disease is a common oral health concern that affects approximately 47.2% of U.S. adults. In this article, we discuss the stages of periodontal disease and how gum disease treatment changes at each stage.
Stages of Periodontal Disease and How Treatment Changes at Each Stage
Periodontal disease can also be referred to as gum disease. It is a chronic infection of the gum tissue that most commonly results from bacterial growth in the mouth, driven by insufficient oral hygiene and plaque and tartar accumulation. Other risk factors of periodontal disease include:
- Some general health concerns, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Poor nutrition and obesity
- Bruxism
- Certain medications (especially those that reduce saliva flow)
- Genetic predisposition
Periodontal disease has four main stages:
- Gingivitis
- Mild periodontitis
- Moderate periodontitis
- Advanced periodontitis
Let us look at the symptoms of each stage and the treatment methods typically employed.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and the only stage at which the condition can be fully treated. The main symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Occasional bleeding when brushing and flossing
- Red or moderately swollen gums
- Gums that are tender to the touch
Timely treatment of gingivitis is essential because if left untreated, it will turn into periodontitis and become chronic. Treatment methods of gingivitis typically include:
Improved daily oral hygiene is non-negotiable, and without it, other treatments will not work. You should brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes with fluoride toothpaste and floss every evening. You should also add a water flosser to your evening routine.
Frequent professional cleanings and fluoride treatments are also essential for treating gingivitis. You should undergo these procedures every 3 to 4 months until your gum health improves.
In some cases, topical or oral antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medication might be prescribed.
Mild Periodontitis and Moderate Periodontitis
As we mentioned before, if you do not treat gingivitis in time, it becomes chronic and turns into periodontitis. At this point, gum disease can only be controlled and prevented from progressing further, but not fully reversed. Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Bleeding gums
- Swelling of the gums
- Changes in the gums’ color
- Persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath
- Soreness of the gums
- Pain in the gums when brushing and flossing or when chewing
- Receding gums
- Tartar accumulation in enlarged periodontal pockets (spaces where gums attach to the teeth)
Periodontitis treatment methods include:
- Improved daily oral hygiene and frequent professional cleanings and fluoride treatments
- Scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from periodontal pockets and smooth the roots of the teeth to prompt the gums to reattach
- Periodontal pocket reduction surgery
- Laser therapy
- Antibacterial therapy
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis can lead to the following consequences in addition to the symptoms of the earlier stages of gum disease:
- Changes in the way teeth and bite align
- Cysts on the gums or pus in periodontal pockets
- Unstable teeth
- Jawbone damage and density loss
- Tooth loss
In addition to the treatment methods we listed above, advanced periodontitis can be treated with:
- Bone grafting to help the jawbone regenerate
- Gum grafting and guided soft tissue regeneration
Treat Periodontal Disease at Dental Care of Pomona
If you notice symptoms of gum disease, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a general dentist at Dental Care of Pomona today. At our office, we offer a wide range of treatment options for all stages of gum disease. We are looking forward to your visit.
