What are the Stages of Periodontitis?
Posted on 12/7/2020 by Hilton Israelson, DDS |
 If you develop gum disease, the process is slow but sure. First, you will have minor bleeding of the gums and tenderness. This first stage of the disease can be reversed by following a routine a regular brushing and flossing. However, as the disease progresses, you need to seek periodontal treatment to reverse the condition and improve your oral health.
Reviewing the Four Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontitis or periodontal disease features four stages. These stages include gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate gum disease, and advanced periodontal disease. The first stage is the only stage that is reversible. From that point, you need to seek periodontal treatments and help. Gingivitis, or the first stage, begins when plaque builds up around the teeth. The first three stages are relatively silent until you reach the fourth stage. When you reach this stage, the silence is immediately broken with severe symptoms, such as recurring halitosis, loosened teeth and swollen and receding gums.
What Happens During the Non-reversible Stages of Periodontal Disease?
The second stage of periodontitis is not reversible, but still manageable. When you reach stage 2, the disease has spread to the jaw bone, and therefore causes bone loss. Increased redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding during brushing, and bad breath all indicate you need periodontal treatment. When probing the depths of the gingival pockets, the readings will usually read between 4 to 5mm. Moderate periodontal disease, or stage 3, includes the same symptoms as the second stage, but gum pocket depths are deeper, or between 6 and 7mm. The deeper the pockets, the easier it is for bacteria to attack the bones. By stage 4, the infection has greatly worsened, which makes it painful to chew and to ward off halitosis. At this point, we usually recommend periodontal laser therapy or periodontal surgery.
If you have a problem with periodontitis, you should not ignore the condition, as it can affect your oral health and trigger other unwanted health conditions, such as respiratory illnesses, cancer, endocarditis, or cardiovascular disease. Don't take these kinds of chances. Give us a call today to set up an appointment for a periodontal exam and consultation.
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