The stages of gum disease and how to prevent it

We all love flashing a confident smile, but sometimes, our gums don’t get the attention they deserve. Just like too much sugary food and drinks, neglecting your gums can lead to big problems. Gum disease isn’t something that happens overnight – it develops gradually, and if you’re not careful, it can really hurt your oral health. Luckily, with a little know-how and a consistent dental routine, you can keep gum disease at bay. Whether it’s a bit of inflammation or more serious issues down the line, understanding the stages of gum disease is the first step in keeping your smile as brilliant as ever. Let’s break it down!

What is gum disease?

Gum disease starts when plaque – that sticky film of bacteria – builds up along your gum line. It’s like the unwanted guest at your Christmas party; if you don’t get rid of it, things start to go wrong. Early signs include red, puffy gums and even bleeding when you brush or floss. If you ignore these signs, gum disease can progress to affect the bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

Stage one: gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease where your gums become inflamed due to plaque build-up. You might notice some bleeding when you brush or floss – a little red flag that your oral hygiene routine needs a boost. But don’t worry; this stage is fully reversible with a bit of extra care. Just be sure to amp up your dental routine by brushing twice daily, flossing, and maybe adding an antibacterial mouthwash. A professional cleaning twice a year at the dentist will also keep plaque at bay, and you should be good to go.

Stage two: periodontitis

When gingivitis isn’t taken seriously, it can escalate to periodontitis – and here’s where things start to get serious. In this stage, the inflammation has caused your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating little pockets where more bacteria thrive. Unfortunately, the bone and tissue that secure your teeth can begin to break down, making your teeth more prone to shifting or loosening. This is when you absolutely must see a dentist. A deep cleaning or scaling and root planing might be necessary, and a strict at-home dental care routine is crucial to prevent further damage.

Stage three: severe periodontitis

This is the stage where gum disease has really taken over. Severe periodontitis can lead to significant bone loss, causing your teeth to shift, loosen, or even fall out. Not only does this affect your smile, but research also links severe gum disease with other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Professional treatment is essential at this point. Your dentist might suggest more advanced treatments like gum surgery or even bone grafts. While it might be too late to reverse all the damage, the right care can stop things from getting worse.

How to prevent gum disease

Preventing gum disease is easier than you think – and just like watching your intake of sugar, a little moderation goes a long way. This doesn’t mean you can’t have treats here and there by any means, either! Just by maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine and keeping an eye out for early warning signs, you can stop gum disease in its tracks before it becomes a serious issue.

And if you need a little help, here are some simple but effective steps to keep your gums in good health:

And, of course, if you’re local to the Blackburn area and you need a dentist, you’re welcome to pay us a visit at our practice! We’ve been providing personalised care for patients of all ages for over 20 years, and we’re proud to be Blackburn’s number-one dental practice. Whether you’d like to sign up as one of our Denplan patients or you need to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible, we can help! You can click here to see our full range of dental treatments or give us a call on 01254 297 000 to book an appointment. We’d love to hear from you!