Gum disease is painful, uncomfortable, and downright unpleasant. Not only will you be worried about bleeding or swollen gums, but you will also be bothered by how the condition can impact and damage your teeth.
As you probably know by now, gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum pockets that can impact your overall oral health. When left unattended, it can take a toll on your whole body. Gum disease is characterized by the swelling and bleeding of your gums. When left to fester, it can be extremely painful and debilitating.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the three stages of gum disease. We’ll also provide you with some dental tips on how to save your teeth if you are suffering from this condition. Keep reading to learn more.
Stages Of Gum Disease
As stated above, gum disease is a deterioration of the gums brought about by plaque and bacterial growth. When left untreated, it can worsen over time and progress through the following three stages:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. This is when plaque begins to build upon your teeth and bacteria start to grow. As a result, your gums start to inflame and become sore.
- Periodontitis: When gingivitis is left untreated, gum disease can quickly progress to the second stage—periodontitis. During this stage, the bacteria will begin to damage the bone and connective fibers supporting your teeth. In advanced cases, your gums will begin to pull away from the teeth. This can form pockets below the gum line, allowing more bacteria to grow and result in further damage.
- Advanced Periodontitis: Advanced Periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease. During this stage, the tissue and the bone holding your teeth are severely damaged. The gums have been pulled away, and bone loss has worsened. As a result, your teeth loosen and become misaligned.
Tips For Saving Your Teeth When You Have Gum Disease
When faced with gum disease, it’s best to have immediate dental work done before it’s too late. You can prevent your condition from worsening with these three tips:
- Improved Oral Hygiene: It’s essential to have a dental care place set in place. This includes deep cleanings and periodontal surgery. This form of dental surgery entails grafting bone that has been affected by gum disease.
- Dental Implants: At this point, you may need to get dental implants. Dental implants are titanium screws gently inserted into the jawbone. The goal is to replace the root structures of the teeth that were removed. Dental crowns are then built on top of those dental implants.
- Laser Treatment: Finally, you may need to undergo laser treatment. Laser treatment is a great option for patients with gum disease. It is usually quick, safe, gentle, and effective. Another major advantage is that this treatment has the least side effects.
At this point, you should now be aware of the three stages of gum diseases and know of some dental works that you can undertake to address the issue. Still, prevention is always better than cure. Good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy mouth. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day as well as undergoing professional dental cleaning every six months. These measures will not only prevent you from acquiring gum disease in the first place but also save your teeth in the long run.
If you’re looking for a local dentist to help you with your gum disease, get in touch with us today for a free consultation!