Gingivitis Stages and Care

Gum disease or gingivitis, as it’s commonly called is a very common ailment affecting 25% adults as per latest statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO). As mostly initial gingivitis stages are not associated with any easily discernible signs, about 15-20% of affected adults develop serious complications. However, swollen and bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis. Regular oral care including daily brushing and flossing twice and biannual dental checkups can arrest occurrence of the disease. If you’re looking to find the common signs and symptoms of each gingivitis stage, this is the website that’s going to provide you with all the infomation that you might need.

Gingivitis Stages

Although gingivitis is the common name for the gum disease, it’s essentially only the earliest stage of the latter. As per dentists, the disease has 3 stages which are :-

(a) Gingivitis. If a person has bad oral habits, the germs are allowed to grow in the mouth and particularly plaque formation is not checked through regular brushing and flossing. Toxic byproducts of reactions of the plaque with saliva cause gingivitis. It’s difficult to notice as there’s normally no pain. Puffiness and red color of the gums with or without bleeding may also occur. As the bones and are not damaged, this stage can be cured by following good dental care routine.

(b) Periodontitis. If gingivitis is not reversed in time, the toxins produced start affecting the connecting tissues and subsequently the bones. Once the damage reaches irreversible levels, the stage is called Periodontitis and there are pockets formed under gums where food starts getting stuck. Professional dental care is warranted in addition to home precautions to stop damage.

(c) Advanced Periodontitis. The supporting bones and tissues are completely damaged in this stage. The teeth start to loosen and can lead to a situation where they have to be removed. There are latest technologies to help cure this stage too, but they may not always work if not adopted in time.

Conclusion

Gingivitis is a curable disease of the gums if treated in its early stages. Proper dental care should be sought in time.