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The Four Stages of Gum Disease You Need to Know

November 30, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — friscoperio @ 9:21 pm
A man with gum disease in Frisco.

Even if you do practice daily brushing and flossing as well as visit a dental professional once every six months for routine care, chances are you have experienced the symptoms of gum disease at some point in your life. For example, if you go to floss your teeth and notice small amounts of blood, what you’re viewing is the earliest sign of gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease out there. However, there are four unique stages that exist that will help you determine when it’s time to get treatment for your gum disease in Frisco from a professional! Here are the most important symptoms to look out for.

Redness, Puffiness, and Recession

When the gum are healthy, they should be pink and firm. However, if your gums begin to appear red, puffy, or swollen, you’re likely experiencing the earliest stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. The gums may also be tender to the touch. It’s also common for the gums to begin receding from teeth, exposing them to bacteria, food debris, and plaque buildup. In some cases, these symptoms can even be a sign of mild periodontitis, the stage of gum disease that follows gingivitis.

Bleeding Gums

Your gums should not be bleeding while brushing or flossing. It’s one thing for your gums to experience mild bleeding after not flossing for a long time, then no longer bleeding once you commit to a daily habit. However, if bleeding occurs frequently, that’s a sign of developing gum disease. When plaque and tartar remain on teeth for long periods of time, they can irritate the gums and make them swollen and tender as well as red and inflamed. While gingivitis is reversible, the later stages require professional intervention to be treated.

Chronic Bad Breath

Do you find yourself brushing your teeth to remove bad breath and finding out that no matter how thorough your technique is or effective the products you use are, the bad breath never seems to go away? It’s a sign that there is so much plaque buildup inside your mouth and on your tongue that it cannot be properly removed with at-home care alone. It’s also a sign that you need to get in touch with a periodontist in Frisco for closer examination.

Sensitivity and Discomfort

When the plaque and tartar goes unaddressed for too long, the symptoms of gingivitis can get even worse and develop into different severities of periodontitis. For example, if you notice pain while chewing or sensitivity when exposing your mouth to hot or cold stimuli, you likely need professional care right away. Your teeth can even begin to loosen (or completely fall out) in the most severe cases. In this case, you may have moderate or even severe periodontitis.

Are you concerned about bleeding gums or other symptoms of gum disease? Get in touch with a professional today and get the targeted, personalized care you need to protect your gum health moving forward!

About the Author

Dr. Zachary Carnow is a board-certified periodontist who is trained to help patients treat and manage all levels of gum disease. His comprehensive treatments, including scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and other services work to save and restore your gum tissue. As part of his board certification, he’s gone above and beyond by completing extensive additional training in the field in order to provide the best care possible to his patients. To learn more about his office, you can contact him through his website.

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