Although it is most commonly seen in adults, children can also have periodontitis. In some cases, periodontitis can be mild, and in others, it can be severe enough to require treatment. If you have any signs of periodontitis, it’s critical to see a dental professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan. This article will outline the four stages of periodontal disease, signs and symptoms of each stage, and what you can do to get help.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious gum infection that can damage oral soft tissue and destroy the bony structures supporting your teeth.
The Four Stages of Periodontitis
It is critical to recognize signs and symptoms of periodontitis early on to prevent the infection from becoming severe. The four stages are gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
Regardless of the state of oral health, our mouths always contain some amount of bacteria. The purpose of brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is to prevent bacteria from forming plaque; a sticky substance which can adhere to your teeth and cause disease. When plaque isn’t removed from your mouth, your immune system reacts to it, causing swelling, bleeding, and redness in the gums. This is called Gingivitis – the initial stage of periodontal disease. As a rule of thumb, note that healthy gums don’t bleed.
Slight Periodontal Disease
The initial stage is characterized by redness, pain, or swelling in the gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a dental professional as soon as you can to prevent further damage and restore your oral health. Slight periodontal disease typically requires a few simple steps to improve your oral hygiene. However, if the disease is not addressed promptly, it can lead to more serious issues. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning can help prevent periodontal disease from progressing.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
Moderate periodontal disease falls under the chronic stage of periodontitis. Patients may experience symptoms like bleeding gums, gum recession, and moderate bone loss. At this point, the teeth are more easily damaged and may have begun to deteriorate and/or decay. Without proper treatment, moderate periodontal disease can progress and lead to tooth loss.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
The most severe form of periodontitis is advanced periodontal disease, which is marked by severe bone loss, tooth loss, as well as Gingivitis and requires urgent dental treatment. It is important to recognize the signs of advanced periodontal disease early so that you can get treatment as soon as possible.
Getting Help: Prevention and Treatment of Periodontitis
Periodontitis can be prevented by managing Gingivitis at its earliest stages. Brushing (twice a day) and flossing regularly, maintaining a healthy dental hygiene routine, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing gum disease. Note that self-assessment for periodontitis is ill-advised as you may miss some of the signs that a professional will spot.
Treatment of periodontitis is a sequence of processes performed by a periodontist or dentist that usually depends on the severity of the disease. Depending on the stage of periodontitis, treatment may range from scaling and root planing to periodontal surgery.
Looking for Periodontitis Treatment in Sugar Land, Texas? Contact Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology Today
Early detection and maintaining excellent oral hygiene is key to reversing Gingivitis before it progresses to periodontitis. Visiting a dental professional for regular checkups will spot early signs of the disease and significantly improve your dental health.
If you have any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, seek dental help immediately. Dr. Dyer and Dr. Nguyen are highly experienced periodontists that can provide cutting-edge treatments to treat and manage periodontitis in Sugar Land, TX.
To learn more about our services, please contact us online or call us at (281) 980-2344.
