Health

Stages Of Gum Disease: From Gingivitis To Periodontitis

Periodontal disease, or gum treatment cost singapore, is a global dental issue. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar on teeth and gums cause inflammation and illness. Gum disease can cause tooth loss if left unchecked. 

This page covers gum disease symptoms from gingivitis through periodontitis. 

Gingivitis begins gum disease. Red, puffy, and bleeding gums describe gingivitis, the mildest gum disease. Poor dental hygiene encourages germs to create plaque on teeth and gums, causing gingivitis. Oral hygiene and best dental clinic near me can reverse gingivitis. 

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis, a serious gum disease, damages gums and teeth. In periodontitis, gums move away from teeth, creating bacteria-filled pockets. Infections can harm tooth-supporting bones and tissues, causing tooth loss. 

Early, moderate, and advanced periodontitis are typical. Early periodontitis has shallow gum pockets and little bone loss. Moderate periodontitis causes deeper pockets and bone loss. With severe periodontitis, pockets deepen and bone loss causes tooth loss. 

Periodontitis causes red, swollen, bleeding, receding, foul breath, and loose teeth. To prevent tooth and gum damage, consult a dentist immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

Gum disease treatment depends on severity. Scaling and root planing are used to treat early gum disease. This procedure removes germs, plaque, and tartar from teeth and gums to heal and reconnect gums. 

1. Gingivitis 

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is characterised by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, leading to inflammation and infection in the gums. Poor oral hygiene practices, such as neglecting to brush and floss regularly, can increase the risk of developing gingivitis. 

Gingivitis can be treated and managed with proper dental care. Treatment may involve a thorough cleaning to remove tartar and plaque buildup, followed by recommendations for improved oral hygiene practices. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to the more advanced stage of gum disease, periodontitis. 

2. Early Periodontitis 

Early periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease. It is characterised by the loss of bone and gum tissue that support the teeth. The gums may start to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can become infected. Early periodontitis can cause tooth sensitivity and a receding gum line. 

Treatment for early periodontitis may involve a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat any infection present in the gums. 

3. Moderate Periodontitis 

Moderate periodontitis is the third stage of gum disease. At this stage, the pockets around the teeth deepen, causing more bone and gum tissue loss. Teeth may become loose, and the bite may be affected. Patients may experience pain and discomfort. 

Treatment for moderate periodontitis may involve more intensive scaling and root planing procedures, and surgical intervention may be required to reduce the depth of the pockets around the teeth. In some cases, bone grafts may be necessary to restore lost bone tissue. 

4. Advanced Periodontitis 

Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease. At this stage, the bone and gum tissue loss is significant, and teeth may become loose or fall out. The bite may be severely affected, and patients may have difficulty eating and speaking. 

Treatment for advanced periodontitis may involve more intensive surgical procedures, such as flap surgery or bone grafting. In some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary. Once the disease has progressed to this stage, it may not be reversible, and treatment will focus on managing the symptoms and preventing further damage. 

Also read: best and cheap dental clinic in singapore 

Conclusion 

Gum disease is a worldwide dental issue. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar promote gum irritation and infection. Gum disease can cause tooth loss if left unchecked. 

Gingivitis, periodontitis, and their symptoms vary. Red, puffy, and bleeding gums describe gingivitis, the mildest gum disease. . 

Periodontitis, a serious gum disease, damages gums and teeth. It has three phases, from early to advanced, and causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums, receding gums, foul breath, and loose teeth. 

Gum disease treatment depends on severity. Scaling and root planing are used to treat early gum disease. This procedure removes germs, plaque, and tartar from teeth and gums to heal and reconnect gums. 

Surgery may be needed for advanced gum disease. Gum, bone, and flap surgery treat infection damage. 

Oral health requires gum disease prevention. This involves frequent brushing and flossing, antimicrobial mouthwash, and dental examinations. Avoiding cigarettes and eating well can also prevent gum disease. 

Finally, untreated gum disease, from gingivitis to periodontitis, can harm gums and teeth. If you have red, puffy, or bleeding gums, consult a dentist immediately. Good oral hygiene, lifestyle adjustments, and early treatment can prevent and treat gum disease, preserving oral health and preventing future dental issues.