Gum disease is a common dental issue; it can start with minor symptoms but progress and become serious if not treated. Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth; because this plaque contains bacteria, it irritates your gums and causes an infection.
Your gums are responsible for holding your teeth in place, so it’s essential to take care of them to avoid tooth loss. There are several stages of gum disease, each of which has different signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
Five Stages of Gum Disease
1. Bleeding – In the earliest stage of gum disease, you will probably see blood when brushing or flossing your teeth. You should contact your Royal Oak dentist, as this can be an early sign of gum disease.
2. Gingivitis – This second stage of gum disease is indicated by swollen, painful, or bleeding gums. You may also have bad breath because of the plaque buildup at your gumline. Your dentist will likely recommend treatment and encourage you to improve your oral hygiene.
3. Early periodontitis – At this stage, the plaque buildup on your teeth hardens and turns to tartar. Your gums will be sore and swollen, and tooth decay and jaw damage are possible.
4. Moderate periodontitis – Stage four of gum disease is typically indicated with sore and swollen gums that are beginning to recede. Your teeth can even become loose at this point, and your jaw can become infected. You may also see a discharge coming from your swollen gums.
5. Advanced periodontitis – This is the most severe stage of gum disease; unfortunately, you could lose teeth if your gum disease advances to this serious stage. You can expect to be in pain, and you will need immediate dental treatment.
Gum Disease Treatment
If your Royal Oak Dentist can treat your gum disease in its early stages, they will perform a dental cleaning and prescribe antibiotics if necessary. Once your gum disease advances, however, you may need scaling and planning, or even surgery. The critical thing to remember is not to wait if you are experiencing symptoms. Call your dental professional for help.
Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment in Royal Oak, MI?
If you want more information about gum disease signs and symptoms, we are ready to take your call! At Family Dentistry of Royal Oak, we want you to achieve optimal oral health, so we are here to offer top-notch dentistry services. You can reach our dental office at (248) 399-8100.