Periodontal disease can threaten the stability of your smile and can even have effects on your overall health. It’s important to understand how gum disease presents and recognize its stages so that you can seek gum treatment from your dentist as early in the process as possible. Doing so will optimize your oral health and your general well-being.
Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Gum disease is marked by inflammation of the gum tissue, which can manifest in any of the following symptoms: redness, bleeding (even if it only occurs during brushing or flossing!) and swelling in the gum tissue. As the condition advances, the patient may notice other issues, such as pockets developing between the teeth and the gums, noticeable recession of gum tissue or even loose teeth.
It’s important to monitor your gums for these symptoms so that you can consult with your dentist as soon as possible and develop a plan for effective gum treatment. Ignoring symptoms can give gum disease an opportunity to cause more severe symptoms that require more involved treatment.
Gum Disease Stages And The Consequences Of Postponing Gum Treatment
Gum disease is a progressive condition, which means that it moves through a series of increasingly severe stages when patients do not seek gum treatment. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis, and the symptoms associated with this stage are less serious – although they still should be addressed. Periodontitis is the next stage, and this is indicated by issues such as gum recession or the emergence of pockets in the gum tissue. In advanced periodontitis, the underlying bone can also be affected, presenting the risk of tooth loss.
The recommended treatment will depend on the stage of your gum disease when diagnosed by your dentist. If gum disease is identified as gingivitis, then a thorough professional cleaning should suffice to reverse the condition. However, if the patient does not receive treatment until the gum disease has evolved into periodontitis, a more involved procedure known as a root scaling and planing may be required to eliminate the bacteria collected in the pockets of gum tissue. In some cases, surgical interventions, such as gum grafting, may be needed to replace missing tissue. A desire to avoid such invasive treatments should motivate patients to seek treatment promptly.
If you’ve noticed any symptoms of gum disease, we urge you to contact our office quickly to schedule an evaluation. To protect your smile, don’t delay seeking periodontal treatment.
