Gum Disease: The Three Stages Explained
The main cause of tooth loss in the United Kingdom.
These days it is easy to start improving your health with an amazing surge in healthier food and healthy eating recipe sharing. Exercise is also now very popular, as is sharing the results of it on popular social media sites!
Oral health though, is unfortunately still not something many people consider to be an important aspect of their overall health, despite it being directly linked to many issues elsewhere in the body. Proof that oral health still remains a low priority for many is in the fact that around half of UK adults are likely to have gum disease to some degree. Even more shocking is the fact it is still the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK. For this reason, here at your local St John’s Wood dentist we believe that we can never give you too much information about this condition, whether you’re at our NW8 clinic for a checkup, or simply reading our lovely blog.
Familiarising yourself with the symptoms of gum disease is an excellent thing to do, as it will enable you to act early if you do notice any signs.
Gum disease is known by many to have two stages, but it actually has three; gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis
This is the most common stage of the disease and is in most cases quite easily reversible. Common symptoms include:
● Gums that may be red or inflamed
● Gums that may be swollen
● Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
● Gums that bleed when you floss
● Gums that are receding
● Bad breath
During this stage, if diagnosed by your Abbey Road dentist or hygienist the disease can usually be reversed with a few simple treatments at the dentist and an improved oral hygiene routine.
Periodontitis
At this stage the gum disease has developed to be more serious and the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth will start to become damaged. Symptoms of this stage of gum disease may be:
● Gums that are bright red and swollen
● Gums that are sore to touch
● New gaps form in between the teeth
● Pus in between the teeth and the gums
● Bad breath
● A nasty taste in the mouth
● Loose teeth
If your are diagnosed with periodontitis you will be referred to a specialist.
Advanced Periodontitis
This is gum disease at its most severe stage and a person will only be diagnosed with this if actual loss of bone and tissues in the mouth has occurred. Teeth may be loose and moving and various detailed treatments may be necessary.
Symptoms can include:
● Consistently bad breath
● Gums that bleed
● Gums that are swollen
● Loose teeth
● Misaligned teeth
● Tooth loss
● Receding gums
Let Abbey Road Dental Help You Avoid Gum Disease
Regular visits to your dentist will help you avoid gum disease. Haven’t been for a checkup in a while? Don’t worry. We are not here to judge, only to help provide you with the professional, friendly dental treatment you need. We are experienced in working with worried or anxious patients to help them feel at ease. Simply call us on 02076241603 and our friendly patient coordinator will be more than happy to help you.
