Did you know that 47% of adults older than 30 have periodontitis? Having healthy gums is an important part of your oral health. Many patients don’t know they have gum disease, but catching gum diseases like periodontitis in the early stages is your best defense.
Signs of Gum Disease in Different Stages
The advancement of gum disease can be broken down into three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Not all symptoms may be present at each stage, but a routine dental checkup can help your dentist watch for problematic areas.
Symptoms of Gingivitis
Gingivitis starts with one or more symptoms that may seem minor. However, you’ll want to treat gingivitis as quickly as possible before it advances into a more serious stage of gum disease.
Watch out for the following:
- You have red or swollen gum tissue.
- You notice bad breath.
- Your gum line starts to recede, or pull away from your teeth.
- Your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, call our office for a dental checkup. We can professionally remove harmful bacteria that might further damage your teeth.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease that starts to attack the soft tissues of your mouth and teeth.
Symptoms include:
- A buildup of pus between your teeth and gums.
- Gums that hurt when touched.
- Chronic bad breath.
- A persistent bad taste in the mouth.
- Adult teeth that come loose.
- Pockets of space between teeth, especially near the gums.
- Swollen, bright red gums.
Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for information about gum disease treatment. Allowing gum disease to progress further can result in permanent damage. We want your teeth to stay healthy, strong, and beautiful!
Symptoms of Advanced Periodontitis
Let us know right away if you have any of the following:
- Adult tooth loss or loose teeth.
- Swollen and bleeding gums (not just when brushing).
- A drastic receding gum line.
- Misaligned teeth due to shifting.
- Deep pockets between teeth.
If possible, we want to help you treat gum disease before you get to this stage. If you have advanced gum disease, let’s talk about your treatment options and how we can restore your smile.
Call Us Today!
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a dental cleaning and exam, call us today! We’re happy to set up an appointment and answer your questions about gum disease.