What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?

Unfortunately, gum disease (periodontitis) is a common condition among adults, with nearly half (around 47%) of U.S. adults aged 30 and older having some form of it. In this article, we discuss the stages of gum disease and specialized periodontal treatment methods that can help reverse or control the condition.

The leading cause of gum disease is insufficient oral hygiene and bacteria that live in unremoved plaque and tartar. Other risk factors for developing gum disease include:

Smoking
Certain general health conditions, such as diabetes
Genetic predisposition

Let us look at the main stages of gum disease, their symptoms, and treatment methods.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and the only type that can be fully reversed. That is why it is essential to seek professional treatment as soon as you notice the first signs of gingivitis. If the disease advances further, it becomes chronic and can only be controlled, but not entirely reversed. Additionally, we recommend not skipping your bi-yearly dental checkups, as they help spot issues before noticeable symptoms occur and plan treatment accordingly.

The most common symptoms of gingivitis include:

Red or puffy gums
Gums that bleed often when you brush or floss your teeth
Gum sensitivity to touch or temperature

Treatment methods for gingivitis typically include the following:

A rigorous oral hygiene routine is an essential step in treating gum disease at any stage, including gingivitis.
Regular professional cleanings (might be recommended every 3 to 4 months) and fluoride treatments.
In some cases, oral or topical antibiotics might be prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition of the gums worsens. As we mentioned earlier, periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can not be treated completely, but only controlled and prevented from becoming more severe. The typical symptoms of periodontitis include:

Red and swollen gums
Tender or sore gums
Gums that bleed easily when flossing and brushing
Receding gums (gums that pull away from your teeth, exposing their roots)
Pain when chewing food
Plaque and tartar accumulation in enlarged periodontal pockets (spaces where the gum tissue connects to the teeth)
Persistent bad breath
Changes in the way your teeth fit together or in your bite alignment

Treatment methods for periodontitis typically include the following:

As we mentioned before, efficient and thorough daily oral hygiene is a priority.
Regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments (every 3 to 4 months)
Deep cleanings, also called scaling and root planing, are aimed at removing plaque and tartar from periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth roots to prompt the gum to reattach to the roots.
Laser treatments
Pocket reduction surgery in some cases
Topical or oral antibacterial medication

Advanced Periodontitis

In addition to the symptoms of earlier stages of gum disease we listed before, advanced periodontitis typically has several more severe symptoms, such as:

Severe gum recession
Darkened gums
Pus in periodontal pockets
Cysts on the gums
Jawbone density loss
Unstable teeth or tooth loss

Treatment methods for advanced periodontitis can include:

Antibacterial medication
Scaling and root planing
Pocket reduction surgery
Guided tissue regeneration or gum grafting to restore the tissue
Bone grafting is used when gum disease affects the jawbone

Treat Gum Disease at LA Wilshire Perio

If you notice signs of gum disease, make an appointment with an experienced dentist as soon as possible, as timely treatment is essential to prevent the disease from progressing. At LA Wilshire Perio, we use modern diagnostic and treatment methods to help our patients restore their oral health. We are looking forward to your visit.

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?