What are the Stages of Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)?

Imagine living with a constant pain in your teeth or gums? That’s what periodontitis (gum disease) does to you. The prevention or treatment of gum disease depends on how early it is identified. Understanding the different stages of periodontal disease progression can help detect and stop it early.

Periodontal disease occurs when infection reaches your gums and the bone supporting your teeth, causing inflammation. It can result from poor eating or hygiene habits, but it’s more common in some people than others. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding, bad breath, loose teeth, swollen gums, and soreness.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is inflammation of the gums and bones that support your teeth. The infection is usually a result of the plaque buildup from poor oral hygiene. This plaque hardens into tartar and infects gum tissue. When undiagnosed in early stages, the infection may reach and affect the bone.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

The most common signs of gum disease include:

Red-purplish, dark, swollen, puffy, sensitive, or bleeding gums (even with eating or light brushing) may be a sign of underlying disease.

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in your mouth (due to infection or pus).

Gum receding or pulling away from teeth, making teeth look longer.

Formation of deep pockets or gaps between teeth and gums, sometimes filled with dirt or pus.

Loose or shifting teeth, inconsistent symmetry, pain when chewing, soreness, or a change in your bite.

All of the above are potential signs of periodontal disease. See your dentist immediately if you experience any of these.

The Four Stages of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease progresses in stages. Identifying at an early stage can increase the chances of prevention.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

This stage is often silent, and you probably won’t even notice that you have a problem. However, some people may experience symptoms like swollen and/or bleeding gums, which often indicate gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the initial state of gum disease caused by plaque buildup. Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria and food particles that builds up on your teeth over time. Regular brushing is crucial to prevent plaque buildup.

Without brushing or flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which is very difficult to remove at home. Professional intervention (cleaning) is needed.

Inflammation and infection from tartar buildup can cause your gums to swell or become darker. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious stage of gum disease.

What to do?

The good news is that Gingivitis is fully reversible. Visit your dentist if you experience any symptoms.

When detected early, your dentist will treat the symptoms with a professional cleaning. That, combined with good at-home oral hygiene, can mostly reverse the damage.

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis

At this stage, the infection has already reached the bone supporting your teeth and has begun to cause real damage. You’ll start noticing symptoms like:

• Throbbing pain

• Bleeding gums

• Swollen and red gums

• Bad breath

If probing depths in your gums are between 4 and 5 millimeters, your periodontist will likely recommend a scaling/root planing (SRP). This non-surgical procedure involves cleaning bacteria and plaque from beneath your gum line. Once cleaned, your gums should heal within a few days or weeks.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

Moderate periodontitis occurs when the probing depths in your teeth reach 6 millimeters or more.

At this stage, the bacteria reach and attack the bone supporting your teeth, triggering the loss of bone, which often leads to shifting teeth or even tooth loss.

From here, bacteria can enter your bloodstream and start impacting other parts of your body and your overall immune system.

When you visit your dentist at this stage, they will most likely recommend a specialized periodontal treatment like GBR (Guided Bone Regeneration) to restore your bone structure.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

When untreated, gum disease reaches its last stage, called Advanced periodontitis. This is when the infection worsens, leading to more significant bone and tooth loss.

You may experience severe pain, tooth sensitivity, swelling, bleeding, pus in gum pockets, and severe bad breath.

Advanced periodontitis is generally non-reversible. Treatments, such as scaling and root planing, pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, and surgical procedures, can prevent further damage and tooth loss.

Prevention & Treatment

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent or minimize the risk of gum disease. Brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and regular dental checkups and cleanings help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Treatments for gum disease at different stages involve professional deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, and, in worst cases, surgical procedures to prevent or reverse damage.

Prevention Strategies

Oral Hygiene: Brush thoroughly, twice a day, using a dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.

Flossing: Daily flossing removes plaque from areas that brushes cannot reach.

Antiseptic Mouthwash: Use a doctor-recommended mouthwash to reduce bacteria and bad breath.

Quit Tobacco: Smoking can substantially increase the risk of gum disease.

Healthy Diet: Replace sugary foods and beverages with healthier, natural alternatives to prevent bacterial growth.

Regular Checkups & Cleanings: Visit your dentist every 6 months for a routine dental checkup and professional cleaning. 

Treatment Options

If periodontal disease (Stage 1, 2, 3, or 4) is detected, the dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:

Professional Deep Teeth Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing): Deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line.

Medications: Antibacterial mouthwashes, oral antibiotics, or gels to be applied to gum pockets.

Surgery: In severe cases, a dentist may recommend a flap surgery (to remove deep tartar) or bone/tissue grafting.

Conclusion

Approximately 47.2% of U.S. adults above 30 years have periodontal (gum) disease. This is more common than you think. Most people fail to detect the problem early, which is crucial to ensure preventive action or get appropriate medical attention.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we encourage our patients not to miss their routine dental checkups. This helps us identify the signs early and take prompt action to minimize the damage. Routine dental cleanings prevent tartar buildup, reducing the likelihood of gum disease.

If you have constant pain or bleeding in your gums, call us today to book an emergency appointment. We promise the best care and treatment while prioritizing your comfort at all times.