Gum Disease Progression & Treatment Options

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects millions of people worldwide, yet how it moves through each stage is frequently overlooked until it’s too late to reverse. By shedding light on the subtle signs, symptoms, and progression of gum disease, our Orange Park, FL, dentist aims to empower you with the knowledge needed to address this condition either early on through cleanings or later with periodontal therapy.

Here’s what you can expect with the different stages of gum disease.

Gum Disease Explained

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, describes an infection of the tissues that surround and hold teeth in place. Having some form of gum disease is common among adults and is caused by an accumulation of plaque and bacteria. Fortunately, gum disease doesn’t have to happen and is preventable with proper oral hygiene.

If you notice any of the following, please see Dr. Marino: 

• Tender, swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Constant bad breath or bad taste in mouth
• Loose teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Gum recession (pulling away from teeth)
• Deep pockets or pus between teeth and gums

What’s the Difference Between Gingivitis & Periodontitis?

You might think that gum disease is one thing and that’s all there is to the condition. Well, there are varying stages and two ways gum disease is categorized: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis signifies the beginning and earliest stage of periodontal disease. It is the only stage that is reversible with at-home care as well as professional teeth cleanings. Any infection that progresses beyond gingivitis requires more in-depth dental treatments. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone

around the teeth and can only be managed with periodontal treatment or more intensive methods like periodontal surgery.

Spotting Red Flags: Signs to Notice at Each Stage

Within every stage of periodontal disease, there are signs or symptoms that require further oral examination and treatment. One stage marker is gum pocket depth that is

also known as “probing depths”. As gum disease worsens, the pockets that form between your gums and teeth grow deeper allowing bacteria to cause inflammation and

destruction of bone.

The four core stages of this condition include gingivitis, mild periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.

1. Gingivitis

When enough plaque has built up around your teeth, gingivitis can occur. With regards to symptoms, this typically means swollen or red gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing. It is at this stage that a patient’s gum disease is reversible and has not resulted in many other complications.

Gingivitis is active inflammation of the gums with no bone loss present, and some may not even know it’s developed until told by Dr. Marino or one of our hygienists. This is because symptoms are often painless. Certain symptoms, like bleeding gums, can mistakenly be attributed to brushing or flossing too hard which while possible, is not always the case.

The best way to treat and reverse gingivitis is to thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Dr. Marino also recommends you receive a cleaning and proceed to have one every 6 months for good oral health.

2. Mild Periodontal Disease

Moving past gingivitis and into the realm of periodontitis, this stage is less likely to be reversed. Dr. Marino and his hygiene team can help you manage the condition with treatment but can’t promise that it’ll completely disappear.

You’ll notice increased swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums. The pockets between your gums and teeth will also be deeper which your hygienist will probe to diagnose the stage. A depth measurement of 4 to 5 millimeters will indicate mild periodontal disease and may require specialized cleaning beyond at-home care.

Action will need to be taken at this point as bacteria has spread deeper into pockets

leading to destruction of bone. We encourage you to visit our Orange Park, FL, dental office if you are experiencing symptoms of this nature.

3. Moderate Periodontal Disease

This stage of infection shares similar symptoms as mild periodontal disease but does differ in terms of pocket depths. Those will typically measure between 6 and 7 millimeters when probed by Dr. Marino.

Because bacteria can attack both your teeth and jawbone at this point, we will perform a procedure called scaling and root planing. This form of treatment involves a deep cleaning below the gumline to remove bacterial deposits, also known as calculus, and will improve your oral health. It can also be used to treat the previous gum disease stage.

Do you need extra assistance relaxing during your procedure? We offer several forms of dental sedation and comfort dentistry services. Ask about them today!

4. Advanced Periodontal Disease

Ignoring the other 3 stages will result in an advanced form of gum disease. Treatment is possible but will likely be either periodontal surgery or periodontal laser therapy to clean out the deep pockets of bacteria underneath the gums and allow for healing.

Common symptoms of advanced periodontal disease include:

• Irreversible bone loss (50-90% chance)
• Red and swollen gums
• Gums that ooze pus
• Pain while chewing
• Intense sensitivity to cold
• Severe bad breath
• Loose teeth

Don’t Neglect Your Gums

Get the help you need most by seeing our dentist serving Orange Park and Greater Jacksonville, FL, for gum disease treatment. Call Marino Family Dentistry today at (904) 269-2185 to request an appointment.