Periodontitis (gum disease) is one of the most common oral health issues individuals face. This is due to the fact that it has a simple cause and can progress fairly quickly if left untreated. The problem is that many people don’t even realize they have this disease, which is unfortunate since it’s easy to reverse in the early stages.

Periodontitis is primarily caused by a buildup of plaque along your gumline, which is easily avoided with a thorough oral health routine and regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist or periodontist. When gingivitis is allowed to persist unchecked it can develop into periodontitis which will progress through three main stages;

1. Gingivitis
Before periodontitis truly develops, you’ll experience gingivitis. You may notice that your gums look red or irritated, and they may bleed and become sore if you brush and floss. The most commonly noticed symptom of gingivitis is bad breath, which doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash. The reason for this is because the smell is caused by the bacteria in the buildup of plaque along your gumline, so unless you completely remove it the bad breath will continue to linger. You may also notice your teeth becoming more sensitive as your gums begin to recede, as even the slightest recession can make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold.

Luckily, if caught in this stage, gingivitis is incredibly simple to treat. A thorough cleaning from your periodontist and then maintaining a proper oral health routine are typically all it takes to reign in this stage of gum disease.

2. Periodontitis
At this point, simple gingivitis has turned into something more. Your gums will become more painful, they’ll begin to recede more visibly, and the symptoms of gingivitis will increase in severity. You may also begin to notice your teeth loosening and a change in your bite. This is due to gum recession causing your teeth to lose the support necessary to stay in place.

At this point, it’s important to seek treatment for a periodontist who can suggest the best course of action. Depending on how far it has progressed, you may need a special deep cleaning or other periodontal treatments.

3. Advanced Periodontitis
By now, your periodontitis will begin causing serious issues. Severe recession of the gums leads to bone loss which will be followed by tooth loss. The earlier symptoms of gum disease will only increase in intensity, leaving your mouth extremely uncomfortable. This can affect your health beyond the oral aspects, so it’s extremely important to treat these issues as soon as possible. The longer you put it off, the worse it will get and the more difficult it will be to treat.

Whatever the state of your oral health, it’s important to address dental issues as they develop rather than continually putting them off. If you’re experiencing symptoms of periodontitis contact Dr. Raymond Kenzik’s Periodontal office in Ormond Beach, FL to schedule a consultation to evaluate your oral health and develop a course of action.