Gum disease can be grueling to deal with, but modern dentistry continues to evolve, which has allowed people to get through its different stages. Just like with any other disease, gum disease also has stages, which begin more mildly and end up being pretty severe.
Most people are aware that gum disease is serious, but they may not understand that the different stages outline how bad the disease is. For example, if the gum disease is still during the first phase, then it may not be as bad. However, if it’s in the last stage, it may be harder to treat. Want to know more about these stages? Here, we dive into them one by one so you know exactly what is involved in each!
Understanding these three stages can be helpful if you think that you may be experiencing any gum disease symptoms. Keep reading to find out more!
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is the earliest and least severe stage. Typically, there is inflammation of the gums, which is caused by a buildup of plaque. The plaque build-up may be a result of poor oral hygiene or cavities from sugar. The plaque has toxins that can cause gingivitis, but thankfully, the disease can be somewhat salvaged since the infection has not reached the bone or connective tissue yet.
The second stage of gum disease happens to be pretty serious. Periodontitis occurs when the supporting bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place are infected so severely that damage is almost irreversible. Food particles and plaque may get trapped below the gum line in a pocket that can cause even further damage.
Typically, an oral surgeon will recommend that intense oral cleanings are done and potential scaling of the gums to remove diseased areas.
When the periodontitis becomes severe, it has reached the final stage of gum disease. In this stage, the bone and supporting fibers are essentially destroyed. When this stage is reached, the teeth are at risk of falling out or becoming very infected. Loose teeth can cause an uneven bite, and infections can cause decay.
Advanced periodontitis is difficult to treat, but with the help of an oral surgeon and a periodontist, treatment can remove the diseased areas. Once the diseased areas are removed, regeneration can take place through tissue grafting.
Gum disease is complex, but being aware of what each stage looks like can be helpful to someone who isn’t sure what stage their gum disease is in. If you have more questions about the three stages of gum disease, then reach out to our office so we can help you further. Give us a call or stop by our office today; we are here to assist in any way we can.
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Having a beautiful smile is something that most of us desire. However, not everyone is born with naturally perfect teeth. Fortunately, veneers can help to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues, such as stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. But with so many different types of veneers available, how do you know which one is…
A dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva. This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including a dry and crumbly tongue membrane, oral lesions, and difficulty swallowing and speaking. Dry mouth can be caused by several reasons that range from medication side effects to…
Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience for many people. The fear of pain and discomfort during dental procedures can cause anxiety and stress, making it difficult for patients to properly take care of their teeth. However, with advancements in dental technology, patients can now undergo procedures with minimal discomfort. One such advancement…
Kissing is known to be a common and intimate practice all around the world. However, did you know that kissing comes with health benefits and concerns? Kissing not only creates an intimate connection between two people but also offers some benefits. This article helps you learn the health benefits of kissing and how you can…
Having a beautiful smile is something that most of us desire. However, not everyone is born with naturally perfect teeth. Fortunately, veneers can help to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues, such as stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. But with so many different types of veneers available, how do you know which one is…
A dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva. This can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including a dry and crumbly tongue membrane, oral lesions, and difficulty swallowing and speaking. Dry mouth can be caused by several reasons that range from medication side effects to…