Gum disease is one of the most common oral conditions in the United States, affecting almost half of all adults over 30. Although many people are aware of this illness, it can come as a surprise to learn that it goes through several development phases. Knowing how periodontal disease progresses will help you keep an eye out for symptoms, so take a look at the basic stages in the guide below.

A Guide to the Development of Gum Disease

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontal disease. It often develops due to poor oral hygiene, such as infrequent flossing, and is characterized by reddened, swollen, or bleeding gums. If detected early enough, it can be reversed by a dentist. However, if left untreated, it will develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

2. Stage 1 Periodontitis

Inflamed soft tissues mark the first stage of periodontitis, resulting from bacteria and plaque buildup along and below the gumline. Most people experiencing this condition don’t typically notice any symptoms, but bleeding can sometimes occur. At this stage, the disease is still treatable—although not reversible—through a deep-cleaning procedure called debridement.

3. Stage 2 Periodontitis

Stage 2—or moderate—periodontitis is distinguished from the initial stage by more severe damage to the ligaments connecting a tooth’s root to its socket. Unfortunately, the damage at this point is permanent. However, the sooner it’s assessed, the more effective any management or other treatments will be.

4. Stage 3 Periodontitis

Stage 3 is the first of two more severe phases, during which the risk of tooth loss due to decay increases. The gums typically recede drastically at this point, making the teeth appear longer and looser due to less support. This condition can only be treated by periodontal surgery or extraction and replacement with dentures or dental implants.

5. Stage 4 Periodontitis

People experiencing the final stage of periodontitis will have already lost several teeth to the disease. In this case, treatment often requires the removal of some or all of the remaining teeth. By stage 4, gum disease can only be managed, not reversed, and patients could need to seek treatment from a specialist in periodontal medicine.

If you’re worried about your risk of gum disease or think you already have it, visit Stephen R. Ho, DDS, in Honolulu, HI. Backed by over 30 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Ho and his team use the latest technology to assess patients’ oral health. They’ll determine which treatments will be the most effective for periodontal disease at every stage. Call (808) 949-4288 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about their services.