What is Periodontal Disease?
Poor oral hygiene causes bacteria to accumulate in the mouth, resulting in periodontal disease. The bacteria multiply when left to grow, resulting in plaque (a more solid substance called tartar) and pockets forming along the gumline.
However, it’s important to note that if left untreated, this condition can progress to more severe forms. For example, an untreated case of periodontitis might lead to tooth loss and bone damage in the jawbone. Periodontal disease can cause bone damage and the loss of teeth, necessitating extensive dental treatment. Smoking, diabetes, some medications, and hormonal changes can also increase your risk of developing periodontal disease.
The 4 Stages of Periodontal Disease
- Gingivitis
Gingivitis typically manifests without pain or discomfort in the infected area, although you may notice your gums bleeding while brushing or flossing. Bad breath and swollen gums are also common symptoms of gingivitis. At this level, the illness is still treatable and should not result in lifelong damage if detected early.
- Slight Periodontal Disease
The second stage of gum disease is slight periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis are comparable to those of gingivitis, although they are more apparent. Unfortunately, by this point, the damage has already been done to the jawbone by periodontal disease. The good news is that periodontal disease may still be managed at this stage and prevented from progressing.
- Moderate Periodontal Disease
If allowed to progress, it turns into moderate periodontal disease. At this point, you begin risking harm to the rest of your body. This is when you’ll experience bleeding and discomfort while brushing and flossing, as well as bad breath and possibly puss in the gumline. Because your gums have grown deeper, they are now more receptive to germs. This bacteria may then enter your circulation and begin affecting other parts of your body.
- Advanced Periodontal Disease
When periodontal disease reaches the advanced stage, it leads to severe gum recession and bone loss, which will require extensive dental treatment to reverse. Worse yet, germs can cause serious health problems including stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Early Warning Signs and Prevention
Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day, as well as frequent dental check-ups, can help you prevent or detect periodontal disease. If you experience occasional bleeding around your gums, it’s time to check in with your dentist!
