Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease progresses in stages and the symptoms and treatment vary according to the stage in which it is diagnosed.

Gingivitis: This is the early stage during which the gums become red and swollen and bleed easily especially while brushing teeth.

Mild Periodontitis: This is the second stage of gum disease, when the bone and tissue begin decaying.

Advanced Periodontitis: This results in severe bone and tissue loss.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Often, gingivitis is characterised by gums that bleed easily. During mild Periodontitis, the gap between teeth increases and you may experience persistent bad breath.

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During advanced Periodontitis, your teeth come loose and may have to be removed.

Other symptoms that appear during mild or advanced Periodontitis include:

• Gums appear to pull away from the teeth.
• Teeth begin to loosen or separate.
• Pus forms between the gum and the tooth.
• The way your teeth fit together when you bite changes.
• Partial dentures appear to fit differently than normal.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Although plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, the following factors also increase your risk of developing it:

• Genetics: Gum disease to an extent is inherited.
  
  
• Pregnancy: To-be-mothers need to be extra careful about oral hygiene. Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gum disease.
  
  
• Hormonal Changes: During puberty, menstruation, and menopause, your hormones go haywire and may affect your dental health, making you more vulnerable to gum disease.
  
  
• Smoking: Smoking causes various cancers, but it can also leave you toothless. In fact, some doctors consider use of tobacco as the next most significant risk factor for periodontal disease after dental plaque.
  
  
• Diabetes: Diabetics are known to be at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease.
  
  
• Grinding teeth: Do you grind or clench your teeth when you're stressed out? Don't! Clenching or grinding your teeth can impact your gums and teeth and hasten the progress of gum disease.
  
  
• Poor nutrition: Frequent dieting, lack of adequate calcium intake, etc. can also increase your chances of developing gum disease.