Gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental care issues in the United States, with its more advanced stage affecting about 50% of adults over age 30. As with most health conditions, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here’s what you should know about gum disease and how to handle it at each stage. 

The Stages of Gum Disease & Treatment

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease in which the gums become inflamed as a result of plaque buildup. Plaque can accumulate at the gumline as a result of inadequate oral hygiene, where it produces toxins that irritate the gum tissue, resulting in redness and swelling. You may also experience some bleeding when you brush or floss.

At this stage, because the bone and tissues holding the teeth are not yet affected, the damage caused by gum disease can be reversed or improved. A dentist can remove the plaque and recommend changes to your oral hygiene regimen to prevent the issue from recurring—with a particular emphasis on flossing. They may also recommend dietary changes, such as eating fewer refined sugars, as bacteria feed on them. 

Periodontitis 

If gingivitis is not treated effectively, plaque will continue to accumulate, and bacteria will continue to multiply. Eventually, plaque will harden into tartar under the gumline. The gums will become more irritated and inflamed and begin to recede to escape the toxic bacteria. This stage is known as periodontitis.

At this point, pockets can form and collect food particles and bacteria, resulting in deeper infection and damage to the bone and connective tissues. To address periodontal disease, your dental care provider may need to perform scaling and root planing—a more involved version of a teeth cleaning—to remove plaque and tartar. They may also need to perform a gum or bone graft to reduce deep pockets and strengthen the jawbone, respectively, to prevent teeth from loosening. 

Advanced Periodontitis 

Untreated periodontitis progresses to damage the teeth, gums, and connective tissues permanently. The teeth will begin to loosen and shift, which can affect your bite, and may eventually fall out. At this stage, the damage is typically irreversible. The dentist may need to remove the natural teeth and replace them with implants, bridges, or dentures.

If you’re in need of dental care in Davidson County, NC, turn to the caring and experienced professionals at Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A. Located in Thomasville, this local dentist provides a range of services from cleaning and teeth whitening to dental implants. Call (336) 476-1109 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to learn more about how they can help you achieve and maintain a healthy, bright smile.