Early Signs and Stages of Gum Disease

Gum Disease Chester, VA

Gum disease is one of the most common reasons people head to the dentist. It is an infection of gum tissues that is more likely to affect people over 30. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar getting into gum pockets and teeth roots, prompting a response by the immune system. The battle between your immune system and the bacteria infecting your gum tissues is what leads to the chronic inflammation known as gum disease.

The signs and symptoms of the different stages of gum disease

Gum disease occurs in two main phases. The first stage is called gingivitis, while the more advanced stage is called periodontitis. Let us take a closer look at both stages and the symptoms associated with them.

1. Gingivitis

This is the first stage of gum disease, and it primarily only affects soft gum tissues. Tooth loss is unlikely at this stage. The patient’s condition can be improved by educating them and getting them to commit to good oral hygiene.

Teeth cleanings performed by a dentist can also help to fight off gingivitis. If the dentist is worried about the patient’s condition progressing into periodontitis, deep cleanings might also be recommended. Early diagnosis is crucial when it comes to treating gingivitis since the more advanced stage of gum disease cannot be reversed. Biannual checkups with a dentist go a long way for the early detection of gingivitis.

Some of the signs and symptoms associated with gingivitis include:

  • Receding gums
  • Gums that bleed easily when stimulated
  • A metallic taste in the mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Spaces developing between teeth
  • Purplish gums

2. Periodontitis

This is the advanced stage of gum disease and reversing the patient’s condition is no longer an option. However, periodontic treatments can slow down the disease’s progression and manage damage to gum and bone structures in the mouth.

The infection affects the patient’s gum tissues and the bone structures that keep their teeth in place.  Periodontitis occurs in three stages. Each has its distinct symptoms.

  • Early periodontitis: The patient’s gums become more inflamed, leading to their gums tissues receding further. Bone structures around a tooth start getting damaged by the toxins created as the immune system fights off the infection
  • Moderate periodontitis: The inflammation becomes more severe at this point, and the patient might start to feel pain and discomfort due to the infection. The patient’s gums recede further, and teeth might become loose as the structure around them deteriorate
  • Advanced periodontitis: This is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. It often leads to abscesses developing due to the infection spreading. Treatments like bone and gum grafts are typically recommended at this point to help rebuild damaged structures in the mouth

Early detection goes a long way

Gum disease is reversible when diagnosed early on. Biannual dental checkups virtually guarantee a dentist notices it before it progresses into its advanced stages. Give us a call or visit our Chester clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at 8044120867 for an appointment in our Chester office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Chester, VA.

Recent Posts

3 Types Of Treatment For Gum Disease

Gum disease starts with the growth of bacteria in the mouth. When brushing or flossing does not remove this bacteria, harmful plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar. The collection of tartar along the gum line results in gingivitis, which can worsen into periodontal disease. Symptoms of this disease can be mild in the early stages,…

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation in the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. The resulting inflammation causes bone loss and eventually, tooth loss, and it can contribute to other health problems. Once a patient has been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontal disease), prompt treatment is necessary to address the condition. Most…

Signs And Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be incredibly concerning and lead to other, more severe oral health issues if left untreated for an extended amount of time. Consequently, it is important to fully understand the various signs and symptoms of periodontal disease in order to be able to spot periodontal disease as soon as it…

What Happens When Periondontal Disease Goes Untreated?

Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place. Periodontal disease is usually caused by plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene. This disease is manageable and treatable, especially when it is caught early. Early treatment can help people avoid the negative consequences of periodontal disease.Flossing regularly and brushing…

Recent Posts

Why Oral Hygiene Is Important During Invisalign Treatment

Why Oral Hygiene Is Important During Invisalign Treatment

If you plan to get Invisalign®, you should know that oral hygiene is important. Read on to learn about the importance of oral hygiene during Invisalign teeth straightening treatment. This highly successful therapy straightens your teeth using custom-made transparent aligners in roughly the same length of time as conventional braces. The aligners are discreet, making…

How Is Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces?

How Is Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces?

Traditional metal braces and Invisalign® are two of the most common options for teeth straightening. Continue reading to discover the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. When deliberating between the two options, you might ask questions about their effectiveness and cost. However, the goal is to choose the treatment option that would get the best…