What are the various stages of gum disease

What are the various stages of gum disease?

Do you feel sensitivity or soreness in the gum and teeth? Do your teeth and gums bleed while brushing? Do you have a bad breath? If any of the above symptoms apply to you, you should get yourself checked for gum disease with your nearest dentist in McKinney, Texas. A bacterial infection causes gum disease in the teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene is one of the main causes of gum disease. The bacteria that causes plaque and tartar will damage the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth. Thus, it results in tissue loss and bone loss, thus resulting in tooth loss.

3 Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is classified into three stages. The earliest stage is known as Gingivitis. The tissue and bone around the teeth will not be affected. People may realize that they have Gingivitis only when they go for a regular dental checkup to a dentist in McKinney. An early diagnosis can reverse the effects of Gingivitis. Lack of oral care, including improper brushing and flossing, is one reason behind the development of Gingivitis. Look for some symptoms that indicate you have Gingivitis. Some of the most common symptoms are red or swollen gums and bleeding noticed while brushing the teeth, plaque or tartar that is visible around the gum line, bad breath, etc.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis requires proper diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, the tissues that support the teeth begin to pull away from the gums, resulting in gum pockets, where the food may accumulate, and bacteria start growing on them. If such a scenario has already occurred to you, this stage is known as periodontitis. It can be further classified as chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis.

Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis

In chronic periodontitis, the infections have already reached the root of the teeth resulting in receding of the gums, which causes sensitivity. In aggressive periodontitis, the teeth are damaged by the bacteria, and the teeth start to become loose. Tooth extraction may be performed for removing the decayed tooth to prevent the adjacent tooth from further decay.

Causes of Gum Disease

Some of the main causes of gum disease include:

  • Improper brushing or flossing
  • Smoking
  • Lifestyle habits
  • Poor Diet
  • Genetics
  • Certain Medications

How to stay away from gum disease?

  • Brush at least twice a day
  • Floss regularly
  • Visit a McKinney dentist twice a year or once in 3 months, depending on the severity of your dental condition
  • Quit smoking 
  • Eat a healthy diet

Contact the best dentist in McKinney if you think you have symptoms of a gum disease.