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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, typically progresses through several stages, each with increasing severity and potential damage to oral health. Understanding these stages can help in recognizing symptoms, getting appropriate treatment and preventing the disease from progressing while it is in its early stages.
The treatment and management of each stage varies and the outlook deteriorates depending on how far the disease has progressed.
What Does The Term Gum Disease Mean?
When you hear the term gum disease you might assume that it’s just one disease, but it’s a phrase used to talk about a range of diseases that affect the gums and the structures that hold the teeth in place. In general periodontal diseases are triggered or caused by plaque bacteria but can be influenced by your health, family history and environmental factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene and diet.
The Stages Of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease can be classified as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is the term given to gum disease in its early stages and it progresses to periodontitis when not treated. Both gingivitis and periodontitis can be broken down into further disease stages.
Gingivitis – Early Gum Disease
In the early stages of the disease, only the gums are affected and there is no damage to the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. At this stage, the disease can be reversed and the health of the gums restored.
Gingivitis is silent, there is no pain and can often go unnoticed. However, it’s important to spot the signs early and take the appropriate action to halt the disease as it can quickly progress to the next stage.
Localized vs Generalised
This stage can be referred to as localized or generalized.
- Localized Gingivitis: This term refers to gingivitis that affects only specific areas or localized regions of the gums. It might be limited to a particular tooth or a small group of teeth.
- Generalized Gingivitis: Generalized gingivitis, on the other hand, affects the gums throughout the mouth. It involves inflammation and irritation of the gums in multiple areas rather than being confined to specific locations. It can also be influenced by systemic factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of Gingivitis may include:
- Swollen, red and inflamed gum
- Gums which bleed when brushing or cleaning the interdental spaces
- Bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth
Periodontitis – The Advanced Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease. It’s no longer just the gums that are affected – the structures under the gum line (bone and ligaments ) that hold the teeth securely in place start to become affected. As a result, the bone and ligaments become damaged and destroyed, if the disease is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss.
Periodontitis is broken down into 4 stages.
Periodontitis Stage 1: Initial
At this stage, the early signs of periodontitis become apparent. The redness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums that characterise the disease may become more noticeable and pockets may start forming between the teeth and gums where bacteria can accumulate. There is generally no significant bone loss at this point.
Periodontitis Stage 2: Moderate
In this stage, the disease progresses further. The inflammation worsens, and the pockets between the teeth and gums deepen. This allows bacteria to penetrate deeper, leading to more destruction of the bone supporting the teeth. You may notice gum recession and potentially some mobility or looseness of the teeth.
Periodontitis Stage 3: Severe with potential for tooth loss
At this stage, the gum disease has significantly advanced, leading to severe damage to the gums and supporting bone. The pockets between the teeth and gums deepen even more, resulting in further bone loss. Teeth may become noticeably loose, and there may be spaces or gaps forming between them. Additional tooth loss is possible if the condition is not effectively managed.
Periodontitis Stage 4: Severe with potential for loss of all the teeth
This is the most advanced stage of gum disease. There is extensive destruction of the gums, bone, and other structures supporting the teeth. Teeth may become very loose or even fall out due to the lack of adequate support. There may be significant gaps and spaces in the mouth, affecting chewing and overall oral function. Without intervention, this stage can lead to complete loss of the natural teeth, potentially requiring extensive dental treatment such as extractions and dentures.
The Grade Tells You How Fast The Disease Will Progress
Periodontitis is categorized not only by stages but also by three rates of progression: Grade A for slow progression, Grade B for moderate progression, and Grade C for rapid progression.
Stability of Periodontitis
As well as giving periodontitis a stage and a grade dentists also say how stable your periodontitis is. It could be classified as stable, in remission or currently unstable.
Why Do Dentists Give Periodontal Diseases a Stage and Grade?
Dentists use a combination of staging, grading, and stability assessment to diagnose and manage gum disease, so they can create a treatment plan which is tailored to the individual patient’s needs and optimize the long-term outcomes.
When To See A Dentist
If you see any of the signs of gum disease including symptoms of gingivitis (inflammation, bleeding and red, swollen gums) or any symptoms of periodontitis (loose wobbly teeth, halitosis, gum recession, shifting teeth) it’s a good idea to visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can check the health of your gums.
No Access to Dental Care?
If you can’t see a dentist at the moment and are experiencing symptoms of gum disease there are steps you can take to treat your gum disease. Take a look at our post on how to cure gum disease without a dentist.
