Different Stages of Gum Disease

March 7, 2023 - Digital Resource Blogger

Are your gums bleeding? The initial indicator of gum disease is constant or usual gum bleeding. If you don’t undergo gum disease treatment in Santa Clara, gingivitis can develop into more severe stages of gum disease, endangering your oral health.  

Gum Disease Stages You Need to Be Aware of  

Gum Bleeding

The first indication of gum disease is when your gums bleed every time you brush or floss. This frequently shows up as bleeding after flossing or a pink tint on your toothbrush. You may also see little blood while consuming things like apples and other crunchy food. Consult a dentist if you experience this because it can be a precursor to gum disease.   

Gingivitis  

A common sign of gingivitis is swollen, bleeding gums. Perhaps the bleeding is only apparent after you brush your teeth. You should still take action even if your gums aren’t experiencing any pain or discomfort. The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is treatable. Further, good oral hygiene, annual dental cleanings, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent gingivitis.  

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the third stage of periodontal disease. When plaque becomes tartar, deterioration occurs quickly, especially when you have a gum condition.   

Your underlying jaw may start to suffer damage if gum disease is not addressed at this time. Scaling and root planing are the most effective measures against early periodontal disease. This technique cleans out bacteria, tartar, and other detritus in areas below your gumline.   

Scaling and root planing is an efficient treatment for people whose gum disease has progressed from gingivitis to early periodontal disease.  

Mild Periodontal Disease   

Your symptoms worsen if periodontitis is allowed to spread. As the inflammation grows, you may experience increased discomfort at this point. You will also notice that your gums are receding and your teeth will appear wobbly.  

Our dental professionals may advise a scaling and root planing procedure to fully clean each periodontal pocket to the bottom and to smooth out your tooth roots so your gums can reconnect. This is similar to how it is done for early periodontitis.   

Advanced Periodontitis  

The fifth and last stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis, and if dental care is delayed at this time, you will likely lose teeth or at the very least have them extracted. Since the bacteria affect the jawbone, teeth loss is highly possible. You will also experience chronic pain if your periodontitis is severe or advanced.   

You may need various treatments, such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and replacement of lost teeth. The extent of your gum disease will determine how many scaling and root planing sessions you will need.    

Treatment   

Antibiotics and meticulous cleaning are often sufficient to stop gum disease if you catch it early. However, gum disease is more difficult to address if it is not treated over an extended length of time. In severe circumstances, oral surgery can be required to eliminate an infection or illness.   

Use a manual or electric toothbrush with a tiny head and gentle, rounded bristles to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.  

You can use a complete protection toothpaste to help maintain a tight seal between your gums and teeth by physically removing plaque bacteria that has built up at the gum line. It is four times more effective than ordinary toothpaste at removing the primary cause of gum bleeding when used to brush twice daily.  

Plaque can be removed from difficult-to-reach spots between your teeth using dental floss. Don’t forget to insert the floss lightly; otherwise, you risk damaging your gums.  

Inquire About Gum Disease Treatment in Santa Clara  

Regular dental checkups are important because a dentist can identify gum issues before you notice any symptoms. Additionally, your dentist can clean, scale, and polish your teeth to eliminate plaque, bacteria buildup, and gum disease. Call us!