I couldn’t process your entry.
Please reload and retry in a moment.
Please reload and retry in a moment.
Please reload and retry in a moment.
25th Mar 2025
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a degenerative disorder that, if unchecked, can result in tooth loss and other major health issues. Gum disease advances in phases, beginning with gingivitis and escalating to periodontitis.
Understanding the various phases of periodontal disease and its symptoms is critical for early identification and efficient treatment. Gum disease can occur if you do not visit the dentist on a regular basis or fail to practice excellent oral hygiene.
Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, a minor inflammation of the gums caused by plaque accumulation around the teeth. The symptoms of gingivitis include:
Fortunately, gingivitis may typically be cured with good oral hygiene habits including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing everyday, and getting regular dental cleanings.
If you discover indications of gingivitis, make an appointment with a periodontist right once. Gingivitis can be treated fast if caught early, before it advances to more serious stages of gum disease.
If left untreated, gingivitis can proceed to early periodontitis, a more serious illness that affects the bone that supports the teeth.
The symptoms of early periodontitis are:
At this stage of gum disease, germs have penetrated the deeper layers of gum tissue as well as the surrounding bone, causing irreparable bone damage and loss.
To treat early periodontitis, dentists may prescribe scaling and root planing, which includes removing plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line and polishing the tooth root surfaces.
Moderate periodontitis is the third stage of gum disease, marked by considerable bone loss and gum recession. Additional symptoms include:
Moderate periodontitis is normally treated with scaling and root planing, antibiotic medication, and, in certain cases, surgery. Dentists may suggest a bone transplant or guided soft tissue regeneration surgery to assist restore damaged bone and gum tissue.
Advanced periodontitis is the ultimate stage of gum disease, and it is distinguished by significant bone loss and tooth movement. At this advanced stage, teeth may need to be removed, and patients may require costly reconstructive surgeries to regain oral health.
Symptoms of advanced periodontitis are:
If you have indications of advanced periodontal disease, you should seek expert dental care.
While more severe stages of gum disease cannot be totally reversed, they can be treated and controlled with good oral hygiene and skilled dental treatment. Early intervention can typically correct gingivitis and decrease or stop the course of gum disease.
Gum disease progresses irreversibly in the second and third phases. Maintain proper dental hygiene and see your dentist on a regular basis to avoid developing mild or severe periodontitis.
Yes, there is emerging evidence that gum disease is associated with a variety of systemic health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation throughout the body. Maintaining your overall health and well-being includes taking care of your gums.
Periodontal disease advances gradually but regularly. Within four days, plaque building can reach a peak, causing obvious indications of gingivitis to occur by day five. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to more severe periodontal disease within a few weeks.
