Gum disease is a common condition that affects millions of people every year. It is the most common oral health issue in the world. It is a degenerative condition that gets worse over time when left untreated. Eventually gum disease can lead to serious oral and health consequences. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes and signs of gum disease so that when present, it can be treated right away. If you’ve been told you have gum disease or are concerned you may have it and want to learn more about it, read on.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding teeth. It begins with the buildup of plaque and tartar beneath the gum line. Over time, this buildup creates spaces between the teeth and gums which eventually allow for bacteria to grow. As with any infection, the bacteria multiply and eventually infect the tissues, taking on a life of its own and growing. Therefore, treating gum disease in its earliest stages is very important.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease is characterized by 3 stages, each of which progressively worse than the previous.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It is characterized by general inflammation of the gums due to the buildup of plaque and tartar. Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing is often a sign of the presence of gingivitis. This stage of gum disease is easily treatable and reversible when caught early on. A good cleaning and possibly even a deep cleaning can remove the plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gums before the bacterial infection sets in.
- Periodontitis: Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis eventually allows the bacteria to infect the tissues. This stage of gum disease is often characterized by the inflammation spreading the bone and other connective tissues of the gums. Common symptoms of periodontitis including receding gums, growing pockets between the gums and teeth, frequent bleeding when brushing and flossing, painful gums and teeth, and sometimes pus buildup between the gums and teeth. Periodontitis is harder to treat than gingivitis and some of the damage caused by it is irreversible. Often, this stage of gum disease is treated through aggressive treatments such as scaling and root planing, gum grafts, antibiotics, or laser treatments. If the gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, it is important to get to a dentist right away to slow or stop the spread.
- Aggressive Periodontitis: The final stage of gum disease is aggressive periodontitis. This stage is often the most damaging and results in tooth loss, bone loss, and spreading infection. As the pockets grow between the teeth and gums and the infection spreads, teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Tooth loss plus the infection leads to bone density loss in the gums, which over time leads to changing facial features and the inability to eat a normal diet. When gum disease reaches this stage, the most aggressive forms of treatment are necessary to arrest its damaging consequences.
What does this mean for me?
If you have signs of gum disease, see a dentist right away. The earlier it is caught and treated the less damaging it can be.