The 4 Gum Disease Stages
There are over 70% of adults 65 and over that have gum disease. The gum disease stages can be broken down into 4 areas that increasingly get worse over time if left untreated.
Although treating gum disease can be a lifelong struggle for some, lifestyle changes and regular dental visits will improve oral health. This article will outline the 4 stages of gum disease, the causes, and the treatments.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Gum Disease Stages
Gum disease, or Periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bones that support teeth. Periodontal disease stages, signs and symptoms are:
- Bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gums
- Sensitivity when brushing, flossing, and even chewing
- Lingering bad breath that won’t go away
- Receding gums that make the teeth look longer
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Loose or mobile teeth
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs of the various periodontal disease stages, it’s very important to contact your dentist and set up an appointment to have your gums inspected.
Stages of Gum Disease and the Causes
There are several elements that can aid in the gum disease stages. Common factors that assist in the progression of periodontal disease stages are:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not mechanically removing the food, plaque, and bacteria daily will increase the risk of gum disease.
- Certain Medications: A common side effect of popular medications is dry mouth. Decreased saliva flow leads to increased bacteria activity.
- Unhealthy Food Choices: Bacteria in the mouth consume sugar and fermentable carbohydrates, producing acid. This acid weakens enamel and causes gum inflammation.
- Systemic Diseases: Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Rheumatoid Arthritis have a direct link to oral health. Gum inflammation can exacerbate these diseases.
The better your daily oral hygiene routine, the less likely you are to see sign of any of the periodontal disease stages.
The 4 Gum Disease Stages
Stage 1: Gingivitis
This is the least severe of the gum disease stages. At this point, gum disease is 100% reversible. The gums will start to appear darker and bleed when touched. There may be some sensitivity when brushing and flossing that goes away quickly.
Stage 2: Slight Gum Disease
If the gingivitis is left untreated, the infection will spread and reach the bone that supports the teeth. The bacteria becomes more aggressive and can cause more bleeding and gum sensitivity. This stage of gum disease is still manageable with the start of bone loss.
Stage 3: Moderate Gum Disease
The destructive bacteria in the mouth will progress and continue to promote bone loss. The harm to the bone is irreversible and the stages of gum disease becomes chronic. Because the gums and supporting bone are compromised, tooth sensitivity is common.
Stage 4: Advanced Gum Disease
This is the most severe of the gum disease stages. The percentage of bone loss is over half lost and teeth become mobile and sensitive. Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, will be present and difficult to manage.
Periodontal Disease Stages and the Healing Process
Most of the stages of gum disease are chronic and cannot be cured. This is due to evolved bacteria in the mouth that destroys the supporting bone to the teeth.
Stage 1 of gum disease is 100% reversible and the other stages can be managed with the help of your dental professionals.
The best way to heal at any of the stages of gum disease are by doing the following things:
- Dental Cleanings: Gum disease requires more dental cleanings because of the evolved bacteria. These cleanings are called periodontal maintenance and should be done every 3-4 months.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep cleaning that will remove the plaque, calculus (hardened plaque), and bacteria above and below the gum line that cannot be reached at home.
- Oral Hygiene Routine: Home care is extremely important in managing the gum disease stages. The increased effort that is needed includes daily brushing, flossing, and using other tools to clean the deep pockets.
For more information on treating gum disease, check out our article Treating Gum Disease
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does gum disease progress?
The first signs of early gum disease can start to form in as little as five days. If oral health is neglected, around two weeks is when generalized gingivitis starts to spread through the mouth.
How do I know if my gum disease is serious?
All forms of gum disease should be considered serious. The destructive bacteria involved have access to the whole body through and can interfere with total body health. Gum disease starts to make irreversible damage to the bone in stage 2.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
