Periodontal Disease Stages: Detection & Treatment
Caring for your oral health is imperative but often neglected. Even though most tooth problems commonly show signs before they become severe, these can go undetected or even ignored if you aren’t aware of what they are and what they mean.
Periodontal disease, widely known as gum disease, is one of them. It affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to dreadful consequences if not treated on time since it’s a progressive condition. These can include tooth loss and potential systemic health issues.
In order to prevent it, in this comprehensive guide, we delve into the stages of periodontal disease for detection and treatment. Read on!
Learn The Different Stages Of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease develops in stages, each characterized by specific symptoms and levels of severity. Understanding these stages is essential for early detection and intervention:
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and most common out of all periodontal disease stages. It includes symptoms like redness, swelling, bleeding gums, and bad breath (halitosis). Gingivitis is primarily caused by plaque buildup. This sticky film is made of leftover food particles combined with saliva that forms on your teeth and gums, which can be reversed through good oral hygiene, such as regular and proper brushing and flossing.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
If gingivitis remains untreated, it can progress to early periodontitis. This stage involves the inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone. You may experience symptoms like gum recession, deeper pockets between teeth and gums, and persistent bad breath. Although worse than gingivitis, it can still be managed through dental cleanings and improving your oral hygiene.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
Tips for Prevention
Even though treatment is available for all periodontal disease stages, preventing it altogether is better for your health and wallet. To reduce the risk of getting periodontal disease, we provide the following professional recommendations:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
It all starts with good oral hygiene. It not only helps you prevent gum disease but helps avoid every other oral health issue. When doing your routine, you should always remember three steps:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing daily to remove stuck food particles from between teeth.
- Use a mouthwash to eliminate bacteria in your mouth.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Healthy Diet
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol
Treatment Options
When periodontal disease is diagnosed, various treatment options are available. You should always visit a certified dentist so they can appoint you with the best treatment for all periodontal disease stages. Some of the options available are the following:
- Scaling and Root Planing: It is a deep cleaning for removing plaque and tartar below the gumline. It helps gums reattach to the teeth and reduces pocket depth.
- Surgical Procedures: For advanced periodontitis, surgical options like flap surgery or bone grafts may be necessary to restore damaged tissues and prevent tooth loss.
- Laser Therapy: Some dentists use laser technology to remove infected tissue and bacteria. Laser therapy can be less invasive and result in faster healing.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control bacterial infection orally or topically.
Conclusion
In all periodontal disease stages, seeking the help of a professional dentist is crucial to save your smile and restore your oral health. Knowing the symptoms will make detecting gum disease easier and seeking treatment immediately.
To get an expert’s help, at Brock North Dental, we welcome you to our clinic to work closely with you and help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come. If you’ve experienced these symptoms or require a regular check-up, schedule an appointment today!