What Are the Different Stages of Periodontal Disease?

Many people think that the only cause for losing a tooth is a cavity; however, it is a misconception because many problems can lead you to lose one or multiple dental pieces.

Among them, you can find periodontal disease. Our periodontics dentist in Kissimmee will tell you all there is to know about it and how you may prevent it.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease in Orlando is an infection of the tissues that support your dentition, such as the gums in early stages and the bone in more severe ones.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

There are three. Let’s check them out:

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of this condition. It consists of the inflammation of the gums due to the accumulation of dental plaque. The signs that you are suffering from gingivitis are the following:

- Red gums

- Swollen gums

- Bleeding gums (especially when brushing your teeth)

- Tenderness in your mouth

Even though many individuals get scared when they bleed during the brushing, it is reversible, and the treatment consists of improving your oral care routine. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush is essential. You must consult with a periodontics dentist near you to learn the best technique to brushing your dentition. 

Besides removing the plaque with a toothbrush, it is necessary to floss between teeth since the plaque that builds up in there is not reachable with a toothbrush. Not doing so would leave 40% of your teeth uncleaned.

Causes of Gingivitis

Besides poor oral hygiene, nocive habits such as smoking tobacco and not having a proper diet can also cause gingivitis. Hormonal changes also affect the state of your gums, which is why pregnant women are likely to have gingivitis.

2. Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more severe form of periodontal disease. It is the second stage of it. If you leave gingivitis untreated, plaque will keep building up around and under the gums, forming a pocket and harming the bone that holds your teeth in place. When bacteria destroy the bone, your teeth lose their support and start shifting. Among the signs that you have periodontitis, you may find:

- Loosen teeth

- Persistent bad breath

- Larger teeth due to receding gums

- Gum pain

- Chronic red gums

- Bleeding when flossing or brushing teeth

If you have reached this point, it won’t be enough to brush and floss teeth correctly. You will need to look for a doctor that treats periodontal disease near you and schedule an appointment. The dental professional will evaluate you and most likely perform a root scaling.

Root scaling and planning consist of removing the hardened plaque (calculus or tartar) from below the gum line and smoothing the roots so gums can reattach to your dentition once again.

Advanced Periodontitis

It is the final stage of periodontal disease, and the healthy area of the jawbone is minuscule. In these cases, professionals sometimes opt for extracting the shifting teeth. 

Patients with advanced periodontitis have the same symptoms of stages 1 and 2, plus a lot of pain, extremely loosen teeth (sometimes they even fall out on their own), and an excessive gum recession. Your dental professional may suggest bone regeneration treatments before restoring lost teeth.

If you think you may be suffering from periodontal disease, don’t postpone your trip to a dental office. Prevention is the key to avoid having advanced periodontitis. It is as simple as keeping good oral care habits and not missing your dental checkups.