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The different stages of periodontal diseases

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Close-up of healthy teeth and gums of a patient at Madison Oral Surgery & Dental ImplantsPeriodontal diseases occur in two stages. The first stage is often the mild stage which is referred to as gingivitis. This stage often signifies the onset of the disease and is accompanied by different signs and symptoms as mentioned below.

Gingivitis

This is often the most common stage and the mildest stage. Well, lucky for your gingivitis can be cured and reversed when at this stage, therefore, the sooner it is diagnosed, the better. Gingivitis if left untreated turns into periodontitis.

Periodontitis

This is the advanced stage of gingivitis. It is broken down into four stages. This stage occurs if gingivitis is left untreated. This is where inflammation of the gums becomes destructive.

Periodontitis Stage 2: Moderate periodontitis

As periodontitis progresses, you might lose more aesthetic shape around your teeth. It happens as bone loss due to the erosion of ligaments and soft tissues by the bacteria. The build-up of bacteria comes along with such defects, and this is where the gums tend to become soft and separate from the tooth surface.

Periodontitis Stage 3: Severe with tooth loss potential

When it is left untreated, it becomes hard to bear with and worsens. The bone loss continues and the teeth might eventually fall out. This is because nothing is left holding them in place. At this stage, the bacterial build-up causes pus and infection on the gum line leading to bad breath, also known as halitosis.

Periodontitis Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis

This is the fourth and last stage. At this point, the bacteria are aggressive, and bone loss continues. The gum recession is more advanced and serious at this stage. The teeth become more sensitive to extreme temperatures, bad breath continues, and loss of teeth is more frequent.

The above stages can cause detrimental harm to your teeth. However, do not let it get to that point. Take a step by reaching out to us today.