What Are The Stages of Gum Disease?

At Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles, one of our most important tasks is the prevention and treatment of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious problem for many of our Wilson-area patients, and if left untreated, this condition can seriously imperil your oral health and even pose a danger to your overall health and well-being.

At our office, we believe that an informed patient is a happy patient. We want you to know as much as possible about your conditions and treatments so that you can feel comfortable with the dental process.

When it comes to gum disease, prevention is obviously the best option. However, it’s important to recognize the different stages of gum disease so you can seek treatment as soon as possible. There are three stages to gum disease:

• Gingivitis: In the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, your gums are red and swollen and you likely notice bleeding while brushing your teeth. At this stage, gum disease can still be treated with increased attention to dental hygiene and routine dental visits.
• Periodontitis: This second stage results when gingivitis is left untreated. When periodontitis sets in, plaque is found beneath the gum line, and the dental tissue begins to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets. You will begin to experience bad breath and your teeth can begin to loosen. The condition is still treatable, but requires more significant intervention.
• Advanced periodontitis: In this final stage of gum disease, you begin to experience loose teeth. Teeth may become dislodged. Gum pockets deepen as infection grows. Even at this advanced stage, our experienced dentists can help you get your oral health back on track.

As you can see, it’s important to treat gum disease as early as possible. Of course, you can avoid gum disease by practicing good dental hygiene and visiting our dentists at least twice a year for routine cleanings.

If you’re a Wilson, North Carolina-area resident and you’re looking for a dentist with ample experience treating gum disease, please call Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles, DDS today at 252-291-2892 for a consultation and examination.