Gum disease: stages, signs, tips and treatment
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first warning sign if gum disease. It is when plaque accumulates along the gum line and isn’t removed effectively when brushing and flossing the teeth.
Signs:
Red swollen gums
Spitting out blood when brushing
Bad breath
Gum sensitivity
Gingivitis is reversible with dental cleaning and improving oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, it can progress to the more serious stages which can cause irreversible damage.
Tips:
When brushing, make sure you are brushing the tooth and along the gumline.
Spend about 2-3 seconds on each tooth surface
If you notice bleeding when brushing or flossing this is a sign to focus more on this area. It is not bleeding because you’ve brushed too hard, it's bleeding because plaque has been sitting there for too long, making it inflamed.
Schedule a hygienist every 6-12 months so they can help reach the areas you may struggle to get to.
Early Periodontitis
When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can advance to early periodontitis where plaque hardens into tartar and the toxins begin to attack the supporting structures of the teeth.
Signs:
Increased gum swelling and redness
Gum recession
Increased sensitivity
Pocketing between the tooth and the gum (this is where you may hear your dentist score your gums a 3)
If this is left untreated, the damage will become permanent, bone loss may begin.
Treatment:
Treatment involves a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. This is usually done with local anesthetic to prevent discomfort.
Moderate Periodontitis
As gum disease progresses into moderate periodontitis, there is an acceleration of bone loss around the teeth and a deeper pocket between the tooth and gum where more bacteria can accumulate.
Signs:
Deeper pocketing between the tooth and gum
Noticeable gum recession
Moderate to severe bone loss evident on dental x-rays
Tooth mobility or shifting position
Pain when chewing
Bad breath
If this is left untreated, it increases the risk of tooth loss and an infection may begin around the teeth.
Treatment:
Deep scaling and root planing
Local antibiotic treatments
Possible surgical intervention to reduce pocket depth
Advanced Periodontitis
This is the most severe stage of gum disease. This is when significant bone and tissue loss has occurred and the risk of losing more teeth is high.
Signs:
Deep periodontal pockets with pus
Severe gum recession
Teeth that are loose or appear to be shifting
Abscesses or infections
Difficulty eating or speaking
Treatment:
Surgical procedures such as flap surgery or bone grafting
Tooth extraction and replacement options
Long-term periodontal maintenance and monitoring
If you’re looking for a dentist near you in Essex, our Chelmsford dentists at Dental Smiles Chelmsford can help. Contact us on info@dentalsmileschelmsford.co.uk or 01245 251198
