Gum disease involves three primary stages. The starling development speed of periodontal disease is a formidable obstacle to keep it under control. People with low body resistance level are likely to encounter much higher pace of disease progression.
Development stages of gum disease
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is mild form of gum disease that can be reverse due to early treatment. Gum gets swollen, irritated, and easily bleeding.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
Recent surveys have shown that almost half of population over 30 years old suffer from periodontitis. Bone or other tissue damage at this stage is irreversible. As the plaque spreads and grows subgingival (below the gum line), gums start to pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. Body immune system fights the bacteria and starts to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
Stage 3: Advanced periodontitis
In this final stage of gum disease, patients may encounter tooth loss risk because most tooth supporting structure is damage. The dentist removes the tooth if there is no means of saving your tooth.
Gum diseases symptoms
Accompanied with each development stage of gum disease are particular symptoms. The thorough understandings of periodontal symptoms helps patients spot out the disease and receive early treatment from the dentists. Early treatments raise the possibility to reverse the gum disease, help your teeth recover to the healthy state.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
- Red, swollen gum
- Gum easily bleeds when being brushed or flossed
Stage 2: Periodontitis
Some noticeable include:
- Subgingival pockets formation. These offer shelters for harmful bacteria
- Gums start to recede
- Gums bleed more often even there is no stimulation
- Teeth look longer
- Bad breath
Stage 3: Advanced periodontitis
- Deeper pus pockets in gums
- Alveolar bone destruction
- Teeth get loosened due to alveolar bone destruction make it difficult to chew
- Risk of tooth loss