Bleeding Gums and the Stages of Gum Disease
The American Dental Association estimates that half of the adults show signs of gum disease, whether that is
bleeding gums or loose teeth. Gum disease is a chronic condition that can have major impacts on oral and systemic health. Patients should be aware of the different stages of this disease to watch for symptoms in their mouth.
In the earliest stages, the damage caused by gum disease is reversible. However, the longer it goes untreated, the more detrimental the effects are. Learn about the different types of gum disease and how they are treated.
Stages of gum disease
There are two main stages of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
The most minor form of gum disease is gingivitis. This condition is characterized by bleeding gums, bad breath, visible plaque accumulation, and sore gums. Gingivitis is common in teens and young adults, as it is caused by ineffective oral hygiene habits. However, it can occur at any age.
Gingivitis is reversible. With professional dental cleanings and better oral hygiene, patients can get their gums back to optimal health. A dentist may review hygiene habits with a patient and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing methods. Effective plaque removal is the most important step in treating gingivitis.
Left untreated, gingivitis turns into a more serious form of gum disease. Therefore, patients should seek treatment before permanent damage is done to the teeth and gums.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease. The National Institute of Health cites periodontitis as the primary culprit for tooth loss in adults. Bleeding gums, loose teeth, and calculus accumulation below the gums are indicators of this condition. When plaque hardens on the teeth, it turns into calculus. This hard, porous substance becomes a place for bacteria to collect.
Treating gum disease is not just about having a pretty smile. The bacteria can cause major destruction of the gum tissue and the bone surrounding teeth. Moreover, periodontitis has been linked to several systemic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
Periodontitis has different stages, from slight to moderate and advanced. Patients may not recognize serious symptoms until the disease is at the moderate or advanced stage. Regular dental appointments are pivotal in monitoring the progress of periodontitis.
Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be halted. A procedure known as scaling and root planing is often the first line of defense for this disease. The dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove calculus below the gumline. This removes the source of infection, and patients can clean their teeth more effectively when the calculus is gone.
Conclusion
Because gum disease is so common, many patients ignore initial symptoms like bleeding gums, not understanding the effects that the condition can have. In fact, treatment can have a huge impact on a person's dental and overall health. For those wanting to find out more about the stages and effects of gum disease, a consultation with a dentist is recommended.
Request an appointment here: https://www.emergencydentistinorlando.com or call Maitland Square Dentistry at (407) 337-1112 for an appointment in our Maitland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Maitland, FL.
Related Posts
Healthy oral habits can prevent issues that may lead to infections such as gum disease. This problem, also known as gingivitis, can be common in both children and adults; however, if it is left untreated, it may worsen and cause serious discomfort or cause secondary infections within the body. Oral treatments such as scaling and…
Looking at the gums and teeth properly can reveal a lot about a person's oral health and general wellbeing. Many people are aware of the common signs of oral diseases like swollen gums, pain, and sensitivity, but fewer know how to recognize healthy gums. Knowing how to tell can help people work to prevent potential…
It is important that parents continue to enlighten their children on how to prevent dental diseases when they are past adolescence. If you managed to escape the tooth decay that plagues many children in their youth, it means you have maintained proper oral hygiene. Tooth decay may no longer even be on your radar.No one…
When it comes to oral health, the condition of the gums can be key. Proper brushing, flossing and the prevention of gingivitis can support good gum health; however, when individuals suffer from crooked teeth, an underbite or an overbite and choose to get braces, this may cause problems with the gingiva. Dental patients who want…
