Types of Gum Disease: Gingivitis, Periodontitis and Advanced Periodontitis

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. There are different types and stages of gum disease, ranging from gingivitis, which is the earliest and most reversible stage, to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Without treatment, gum disease can damage the gums and supporting bone and eventually lead to tooth loss.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It happens when plaque builds up around the gumline and causes inflammation. Common signs include red, swollen or tender gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing. At this stage, the bone and tissues that support your teeth have not usually been permanently damaged, and gingivitis can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional dental care.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease that can develop when gingivitis is left untreated. At this stage, the infection begins to affect the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Gums may start to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where plaque and bacteria can collect. Without treatment, these pockets can deepen and lead to further damage around the teeth.

What Is Advanced Periodontitis?

Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease. By this point, significant damage may have occurred to the bone and tissues that support the teeth. Teeth can become loose, shift position or become difficult to save. Treatment can help control the infection and prevent further damage, but some teeth may need to be removed if too much support has been lost.

What Are the Warning Signs of Gum Disease?

Gum disease can develop gradually, and the early signs are easy to overlook. Watch for red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, receding gums or teeth that appear longer than they used to. As gum disease progresses, you may also notice spaces developing between the teeth, changes in your bite or loose teeth.

How Can Gum Disease Affect Your Overall Health?

Gum disease affects more than just your teeth and gums. Research has found links between periodontal disease and conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While gum disease does not necessarily cause these conditions, the inflammation associated with periodontal disease may be connected to overall health, making prevention and treatment especially important.

When Should You See a Dentist?

See your dentist if you notice bleeding, swollen or receding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth or other changes in your gums. Gum disease is easier to manage when it is caught early, so regular dental exams and dental cleanings are also important even if you are not experiencing obvious symptoms.

Protect Your Gum Health with Regular Dental Care

Regular dental exams and cleanings can help catch gum disease early and prevent it from progressing. If you’ve noticed changes in your gums or it’s been a while since your last dental visit, the team at Encore Dental in Port Coquitlam can assess your gum health and recommend the right next steps.