Red, swollen gums, bleeding when you floss, and loose teeth are not innocent symptoms: they’re indicators that you may have gum disease, a very damaging condition for your oral health. To put a stop to these—and prevent further damage—a prompt visit to a Knoxville dentist in IL is key.
By addressing this disease before it progresses to its more severe stages, you can protect your gums from further damage!
What Are the 4 Stages of Gum Disease?
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. At this point, the symptoms will be very subtle: red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This is your gum’s reaction to plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria that releases harmful acids.
Gingivitis is also the easiest stage to treat. Pay extra attention to your oral hygiene routine, and scheduling regular professional cleanings can help you get your oral health back on track.
Stage 2: Moderate Periodontitis
If left unaddressed, gingivitis advances to moderate periodontitis.
Trying to run away from the acidic bacteria attacking your gums, the tissue will slightly detach from your teeth, forming small but troublesome pockets between your gums and your teeth.
Here, bacteria can accumulate in much larger amounts, making the disease's progress easier. The infection will start to eat away at the bone supporting your teeth, even if the outcomes are not yet noticeable.
Some of the symptoms of this stage include persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, and the sensation that your teeth feel different when you bite down. Moderate periodontitis is still treatable, but the longer you wait, the more damage occurs.
Stage 3: Severe Periodontitis
Severe periodontitis is a more serious stage, characterized by significant bone and tissue loss. In response to the plaque buildup, your gums will start to recede, exposing tooth roots and causing sensitivity.
Moreover, because of bone resorption, teeth lose their fundamental structural support, so you may notice your teeth are looser, which can even lead to them falling out.
Abscesses, or painful infections filled with pus, can develop. At this point, aggressive treatment is necessary to save the remaining teeth and avoid further complications.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
Severe periodontitis is the most advanced and destructive stage of gum disease.
Bone loss at this stage is severe, causing tooth loss and instability.
Eating can become uncomfortable, and there are more complicated treatment options. Surgery is frequently necessary to save the remaining teeth at this stage of gum disease.
Moreover, chronic inflammation brought on by severe periodontitis can have a detrimental effect on general health and may make diseases like diabetes and heart disease worse.
Visit a Knoxville Dentist in IL And Keep Your Smile Healthy
Periodontal disease is more than just foul breath and bleeding gums. This condition can have far-reaching consequences, so it is critical to address it and prioritize your dental health.
Luckily, with early identification and the right treatment at Smalltown Dental, you can get your oral health back on track. If you suspect you have any stage of gingivitis, take action today. Contact us to schedule a consultation!
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