You might think that bleeding gums while brushing and flossing are a normal part of your everyday oral hygiene routine. However, this can indicate potentially severe oral health issues, such as gum disease. This oral health condition is incredibly common among dental patients, but many may not know exactly what they’re experiencing or how to begin treating it. 

In this blog, we’ll help you understand the stages of gum disease, why you may have developed it, and how to begin treating it to achieve better gum health. 

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontitis, more commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the gum tissue that negatively impacts the tissue surrounding your teeth. This condition is incredibly common among adults in the United States, with nearly half of all adult dental patients receiving a diagnosis of gum disease.  

Healthy gums are pink and firm to the touch. However, as you begin developing periodontitis, your gums will become red or purple and swollen. Most people will start noticing problems with their gums while brushing and flossing. Individuals with periodontitis will experience bleeding while performing their everyday oral hygiene routine. 

There are stages to periodontal disease, and knowing which stage you’re in will help you begin treating and caring for your gums effectively. The stages of gum disease include:

• Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of the disease, most often characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed while brushing and flossing. At this point, you don’t experience any bone loss, and the disease is still reversible. 
• Mild Periodontitis: Once your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, it cannot be reversed; instead, it can only be managed. At this point, the bacteria have spread beneath your gums and impact your bone health. Your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can accumulate, leading to further deterioration of your gum health. 
• Moderate Periodontitis: As the disease progresses into moderate periodontitis, the bacteria begin to impact the surrounding ligaments, soft tissue, and bone. At this stage, you are often plagued by bad breath and may notice pus around your gumline.
• Advanced Periodontitis: In its most advanced stage, periodontitis will quickly deteriorate your jawbone. This deterioration can lead to loose teeth that may inevitably fall out, especially if you continue to neglect treatment and at-home care. 

Risk Factors That Contribute to Periodontitis Development

Regularly brushing and flossing is a great way to protect yourself from developing gum disease. However, this may not always be enough to prevent oral health problems. Some individuals, even those who follow strict oral hygiene routines, may be at risk of developing the condition. Some factors that may increase your risk of developing periodontitis include: 

• Regular use of nicotine products like cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause. 
• Medications that lead to dry mouth or changes to your gums. 
• Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease. 
• Family history of gum disease development. 
• A low vitamin C diet. 

While you might think your oral hygiene routine is enough to keep you safe from developing the condition, this isn’t always the case. To ensure you’re doing everything possible to keep yourself safe, it is best to schedule regular appointments with your dentist.

How is It Diagnosed? 

The best way to begin addressing your periodontitis is by receiving a proper diagnosis. The only way this can be done is by scheduling an exam with a trusted dental professional. During their exam, your dental team will perform X-rays and a thorough examination of your teeth. They will assess the appearance of your gums and measure the pockets around your teeth.

Healthy gum pockets are 1 to 3 millimeters deep. Anything over 4 millimeters may indicate you’re dealing with gum disease. From there, they will take X-rays, which will give them a better idea of how much bone loss you’re experiencing, helping to determine what stage of periodontitis you’re experiencing. 

While you may be able to identify some signs of gum disease, such as swelling and bleeding, on your own, it is always best to consult your dental team for support. They can perform more thorough testing to help you determine your current stage and identify the best options for improving your gum health. 

How to Treat Gum Disease

If you are only experiencing gingivitis, you can treat it by increasing your flossing and ensuring you do it thoroughly. You may also want to incorporate a gum-friendly mouthwash into your everyday oral hygiene routine. These two steps are often enough to keep your smile safe from long-term harm.

However, if you are experiencing more advanced gum disease, it can only be managed. If you are experiencing this oral health problem as a result of nicotine use, it is important that you stop smoking, as this can lead to slower healing time and compromise your oral health. However, the best way to treat the disease is by scheduling professional dental treatments.

First, you may need to schedule more frequent dental cleanings. Most patients require two dental cleanings per year to maintain their smile’s health and prevent deterioration. However, you may benefit from quarterly cleanings as you attempt to improve your oral health. Additionally, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. 

This service is used to clean deep beneath your gums, removing harmful plaque and bacteria that may contribute to worsening gum health. As the disease progresses, your dentist may also recommend gum or bone grafts, as well as pocket reduction surgery. While this may seem extreme, it is an essential step in protecting your gums and teeth from long-term damage. 

Reliable Treatment for Periodontal Disease

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with or believe you’re experiencing gum disease, it is essential to work with a reliable dental team. At Mountain View Dental, our team is proud to provide patients with reliable treatment for every stage of the disease. Whether you’re experiencing minor gum bleeding or the disease has advanced, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthier smile. 

When you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert support.