Worried About Your Gum Health? Find Support Here
A gum disease diagnosis can feel scary and uncertain. The thought of losing your teeth can be overwhelming. We understand the wave of emotions and questions swirling through your mind right now about your oral health. Take comfort in knowing you don’t have to battle gum infection alone.
Providing personalized gum disease treatment plans focused on your unique smile needs stands central to Franklinville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s patient-first philosophy. Through compassion, clarity, and advanced therapeutic options, we’ll help you control your gum disease and boost your confidence in your smile.
Learn about our tailored solutions to gum disease so you can get back to comfortably eating, laughing, and living life again. Call us at (856) 694-5555 whenever you’re ready to take the next step in your gum disease treatment journey.
What are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease, known in the medical community as periodontal disease, can escalate over time through various stages if left untreated. Understanding the progression of this oral bacterial infection is important for spotting its signs and symptoms before extensive damage occurs. Here we outline the four major stages of gum disease.
Gingivitis
The earliest and most reversible stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. During this stage, bacterial plaque builds up on teeth and inflames the gums. Signs to watch for include puffy, reddish gums that easily bleed during brushing or flossing.
This inflammation indicates your body’s immune response trying to fight the untreated infection. With proper dental care, gingivitis can be eliminated at this initial stage.
Early Periodontitis
If gingivitis persists unaddressed, the inflammation can spread and trigger early periodontitis. During this stage, the infection progresses below your gum line, beginning to damage the fibers and bone supporting the teeth. Pockets form between the gums and teeth where more bacteria and plaque can accumulate. Recession of the gums also usually occurs at this stage.
Moderate Periodontitis
As the infection and inflammation progress, they break down more supportive gum tissue and bone structure. At this stage, called moderate periodontitis, tooth roots become visibly exposed as gums recede further downward. Examine your smile line for longer-looking front teeth or newly exposed spaces between molars, which may indicate that the tooth structure is eroding.
Advanced Periodontitis
In the final and most severe stage, called advanced periodontitis, extreme bone loss leaves little foundational support for teeth. Gums may appear recessed and shrunken as well. The deepened space between the gum line and teeth breeds heavy concentrations of harmful bacteria. At this point, saving one’s original teeth poses a real challenge requiring aggressive measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look out for puffy, red gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. These inflamed gums indicate a bacterial infection is present and your body is reacting through swelling and sensitized blood vessels. Stay alert for bleeding when cleaning teeth.
Receding gums lead to visibly longer front teeth and newly exposed gaps between back molars. Examine your smile line closely in the mirror for these subtle changes occurring over time. Measure any increased tooth structure showing and monitor its progression with your dentist.
Advanced stages of gum disease can destroy the bone structure supporting teeth, leading to looseness or sudden tooth loss. The infection can also spread to the tooth root causing painful abscesses requiring extraction. Plus the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting heart health and complicating diabetes or pregnancy outcomes.
Yes, periodontal disease can recur even after a prior active infection gets cleared up. Maintaining diligent, daily oral hygiene and getting regular dental cleanings helps prevent the bacteria from regaining a foothold again in your mouth over time.
Concerned About Your Gums? Call & Learn How We Can Help.
We understand that a gum disease diagnosis can make you afraid of losing your teeth. But prompt action CAN stop the progression of gum disease. No matter if you live in Franklinville, or surrounding communities such as Milmay, Newfield, and [insert location] —we’re here for you!
Call Dr. Gottlieb at (856) 694-5555 and schedule a gum evaluation. With advanced therapies like laser decontamination and regenerative tissue grafting, we can strengthen your gum foundation again. With compassionate, tailored care, our team will answer every question you may have and start you on the road toward renewed oral wellness again. Let today mark a turning point in your gum disease journey.