Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Periodontitis Stages and Symptoms
Periodontitis progresses in stages.
How Mild Periodontitis Starts
Periodontitis initially starts with gum inflammation (gingivitis), which is reversible.
You will first noticegums bleedingwhenbrushingor flossing, along withplaque.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
After this point, the early or mild stage of periodontitis begins.
During this time, the gums start to pull away (recede) from the teeth.
Small pockets of bacteria will also form in between gums and teeth.
More bleeding occurs during brushing and flossing, and bone loss may develop.
Progressive Periodontitis
If not treated, periodontitis progresses to moderate gum disease.
During this stage, additionalgum recessionoccurs, along with more bleeding and pain while brushing.
At this time, there may be bone loss, and your teeth might start to feel loose.
How Does Periodontitis Develop?
Periodontitis commonly develops in people with inadequateoral hygieneor dental care.
In addition, several other factors make it more likely to develop gum disease.
Income statusplays a role.
Why Is a Periodontitis Diagnosis Important?
Oral health impacts a person’s overall health, including the development of certain chronic diseases.
The good news is, periodontitis can be controllable if discovered early.
This is why it’s so important to get a timely diagnosiswhich starts with a dental checkup.
Then, they may perform a couple of tests to come to a diagnosis.
Complications can include:
Oral health issues like periodontitis can also significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Daily actions like chewing, talking, and having confidence in social parameters may be affected by periodontitis.
Summary
Periodontitis is gum inflammation and infection.
The damage done by active periodontitis is not reversible, but it can be treated to prevent further damage.
This common condition has symptoms like gum bleeding, pain, loose teeth, and bad breath.
It often develops in older adults, particularly when oral hygiene and dental checkups are lacking.
Periodontitis progresses in stages, leading to permanent complications like tooth loss if not treated early.
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