Watch Out for the Different Stages of Gum Disease

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? This isn’t a toothbrush or flossing problem, it’s the first sign of periodontitis. Around 50% of American adults suffer from mild, moderate, or severe periodontal (gum) disease. The first stage of this disease is called gingivitis. Keep reading to learn the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis as well as how a mild health issue like bleeding gums can progress into something much worse.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an infection of gum tissue surrounding your teeth. It is usually caused by poor brushing and flossing habits which allow plaque to build up and harden. These nasty bacteria can get in between your gum line and teeth and can eventually lead to soreness, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

If you do not have a good oral health routine, the plaque in your mouth will harden into tartar. Tartar is much stronger than plaque, and it can only be removed by a dentist. If there is enough tartar buildup, it will cause your gums to bleed. This can be the first sign that you have gingivitis: the beginning stage of periodontitis.

What is the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis is gum inflammation that usually comes before gum disease (periodontitis). But, not all gingivitis progresses into gum disease. In the earlier stages of gingivitis, plaque builds up which carries bacteria. This makes your gums inflamed and bleed when irritated by brushing or flossing.

Even though your gums may look and feel like they’re in bad shape, gingivitis can still be reversed. Your teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets, and there hasn’t been any bone or tissue damage that is irreversible.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, is much more severe. When gingivitis is left untreated, the inner layer of gum and bone will pull away from your teeth, creating small pockets. These pockets are then filled with harmful bacteria that can cause infection. As your gum disease gets worse, the small pockets that are home to bacteria will grow even bigger and deeper, meaning more gum tissue and bone are being destroyed. Once these pockets are big enough, your teeth will no longer be anchored in place, causing them to become loose. This is why gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults.

How is Periodontitis Treated?

Treatment options will vary based on the severity of the disease. That being said, the goal of gum disease treatment is to reduce swelling, promote reattachment of gums to your teeth, shrink harmful bacteria pockets, and stop the overall progression of the disease. Your options will range from nonsurgical therapies to surgery that restores supportive tissue. It all depends on how far along your gum disease is.

If you have sore, irritated, puffy, or bleeding gums, see your dentist as soon as possible while you still have gingivitis so it doesn’t progress into much worse periodontitis. Your trusted dentist will recommend the best treatments and actions you should take to combat the disease.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. St. Clair is committed to helping his patients understand their dental health and provide them with the best options available for their specific needs. He currently runs his own practice where he is ready to make your gums healthy again! For any questions or comments, he can be reached by phone at (978) 948-2030.