The Three Phrases of Periodontal Disease Gilbert, AZ
Preventing periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is one of the most critical aspects of maintaining mouth health. One out of every two Americans age 30 and over has periodontal disease. As common as it is, familiarizing yourself with periodontal disease symptoms is the first step toward prevention.
Gum disease has three main phases: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Although a dentist will be able to give you an official diagnosis, it's important to recognize symptoms of each phase.
Gingivitis
This first stage is the most common, but it's also reversible. Some symptoms to look for and are associated with gingivitis are:
- Red and swollen gums
- Gums that easily bleed while brushing and flossing
- Receding gum line
- Bad breath
At this stage of gum disease, gingivitis has advanced to the more serious condition known as periodontitis. This results in damage to the soft tissue and loss of bone that support your teeth. Common symptoms for periodontitis include the following:
- Swollen, bright red gums
- Gums that are tender to the touch
- Spaces developing between teeth causing periodontal pockets to form
- A buildup of pus between teeth and gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth that don't fit together when you bite
Advanced Periodontitis
This final stage of gum disease is the most severe, and is characterized by actual loss in the bone and loss of periodontal tissues that support your teeth. This results in the shifting and loosening of teeth, and tooth extraction may become necessary to remove further infection. Symptoms include:
- Chronic bad breath
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Severe receding gums
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Teeth that are loose and
- Misaligned teeth
If you have any further questions regarding the phases of periodontal disease give our office a call at (480) 988-2282. Thank you!
