Has your dentist told you that you have gum disease? Gum disease is a very common dental problem, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems.
In this blog post, we will discuss the three stages of gum disease conditions, and each stage is associated with different levels of severity. In some cases, the conditions may be reversible if caught early enough with the help of an emergency dentist.
Learn more about the three stages of gum disease and what you can do to prevent them from progressing.
First Stage: Gingivitis is Reversible
Gingivitis is the earliest and most common stage of gum disease. Though it can lead to more serious problems, gingivitis itself isn’t very harmful. It doesn’t damage the roots of your teeth or your gums.
Some common signs that you may have gingivitis include swollen or tender gums, gums that are red, dark, or discolored, bleeding when you brush your teeth, and bad breath.
You must seek treatment immediately if you have gingivitis, as it will only get worse over time and become irreversible. An emergency dentist will need to do a deep cleaning (scaling & root planing), and you may also need to take antibiotics
If you’re noticing your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding easily, those are all signs of gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a serious infection of the gums and bone that supports your teeth. Thankfully, with early diagnosis and treatment, gingivitis is easy to reverse.
Second Stage: Periodontitis is Irreversible
Once gum disease progresses past gingivitis, the infection is permanent. The bacteria will continue to multiply and cause damage to your teeth and gums. The infection will never be completely eliminated and will always be present to some extent.
In this stage of gum disease, your gums will be red, swollen, and bleed easily. You may also experience receding gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath. The bacteria will continue to cause damage to your teeth and gums, and irreversible damage will be done.
Even though you can’t get rid of periodontitis completely, you can still control it with regular dental care. With treatment, you can stop the infection from getting worse, prevent more damage to your mouth, and fix your damaged teeth and gums.
Treatment for periodontal disease usually includes deep cleanings, antibiotics, and oral surgeries to restore your gums and teeth. You also will need to have your teeth professionally cleaned every three months for the rest of your life.
Pre-stage Early Intervention
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone and soft tissue that support teeth. While gum disease is often painless in its early stages, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Fortunately, gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental care. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque before it can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Regular dental checkups are also important for detecting gum disease in its early stages when it is most easily treated. By catching gum disease early, you can help prevent more serious damage to your teeth and gums.
Final Words
Gingivitis and periodontitis can be reversed with professional treatment from an emergency dentist. You also can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, visiting your dentist regularly, and following an oral hygiene regimen.
At Dental First, our emergency dentists in Troy can help you in any condition of your gums. If you would like more information on these gum disease stages, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
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