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Issues like bleeding gums and tooth sensitivity clearly indicate that it’s time to visit a prosthodontist in Fort Worth because you may have gum disease. While it may be unnoticeable initially, this infection slowly progresses, causing gum recession and starting a string of events that can considerably affect oral health.
Prompt periodontal treatment is fundamental to preventing this. To help you identify the stages of these diseases and understand the best course of action, here’s a breakdown of the different stages of gum disease and how to identify them.
5 Stages of Gum Disease
1. Gingivitis, or Early Gum Disease
Gingivitis is a silent and painless disease during its beginning stages, so it's frequently undetectable. In these early stages, only the gums are impacted. The bone and ligaments holding the teeth in place are unharmed, and it’s possible to reverse the disease and restore the gums' health.
Because of that, recognizing the disease swiftly is key to taking the necessary action to stop it. Some symptoms of gingivitis may include swelling, redness, inflammation, and bleeding gums during interdental cleaning or brushing, as well as the sensation of a metallic taste in the mouth or foul breath.
2. Initial Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease. Not only are the gums impacted, but the structures beneath the gum line may also begin to be impacted. Consequently, the disease damages and destroys the bone and ligaments, which can result in tooth loss if treatment is not received.
At this point, the early symptoms of periodontitis start to show. The disease's hallmark redness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums may become more obvious, and pockets where bacteria can grow between teeth and gums may begin to form. You may start to experience increased dental sensitivity.
At this stage, there is usually no discernible bone loss.
3. Moderate Periodontitis
At this point, the illness advances even more. As the inflammation worsens, the spaces between the gums and teeth get deeper. This allows bacteria to enter more deeply, further eroding the bone that supports the teeth. Gum recession may cause some tooth mobility or looseness.
4. Severe Periodontitis
By now, the gum disease has progressed to a point where the gums and supporting bone are severely damaged. The deeper pockets that form between the teeth and gums result in more bone loss. There may be a noticeable loosening of the teeth and the development of gaps or spaces between them, affecting chewing and overall oral function.
If nothing is done, this stage may result in the total loss of the natural teeth, necessitating extensive dental care, including extractions and dentures.
Find a Prosthodontist in Fort Worth
If you notice any of the symptoms of gum disease, such as inflammation, bleeding, and red, swollen gums, you should see your dentist right away so they can examine your gums.
Here at Silver Sage Family Dental, we will assess the state of your mouth and provide customized treatment to help you recover your oral health. So, reach out and set an appointment!
