Difference Between Early vs. Advanced Gum Disease

Gum disease progresses in stages. Understanding the difference is key to seeking timely treatment.

Gingivitis – The Early, Reversible Stage

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It starts when plaque, a sticky, bacteria-laden film that builds on the teeth over the course of the day, isn't effectively removed from around your teeth, especially near the gumline. 

Your body reacts to these bacteria, causing your gums to become inflamed. You might notice:

• Redness & Swelling: Instead of being firm, pink, and snug against your teeth, your gums might look puffy, slightly enlarged, and have a brighter red or even purplish hue.

• Bleeding: Seeing blood in the sink after brushing or flossing is a very common sign. Healthy gums generally don't bleed with gentle cleaning.

• Tenderness: Your gums might feel a bit sore or sensitive to the touch.

The most important thing to know about gingivitis is that it only affects the soft gum tissue. At this stage, the inflammation has not yet damaged the underlying bone or the fibers that hold your teeth in place. This means gingivitis is completely reversible with prompt professional cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar buildup, combined with consistent, thorough brushing and flossing at home. 

Don't ignore these early signals!

Periodontitis – The Advanced, Damaging Stage

When gingivitis isn't treated, the persistent inflammation allows the infection to progress deeper, below the gumline, leading to periodontitis. This is a more serious and destructive stage of gum disease. 

Periodontitis is diagnosed when bacteria start to damage the actual support structures of your teeth. This includes the periodontal ligaments and the alveolar bone (jawbone).

Signs of periodontitis include:

• Gum Pockets Form & Deepen: As the supporting fibers break down and bone is lost, your gums detach from the teeth. This creates spaces or "pockets" along the tooth root. These pockets harbor harmful bacteria and are impossible to clean effectively with just a toothbrush and floss.

• Gum Recession: The destruction of bone and tissue can cause your gums to shrink back or "recede," exposing more of the tooth root and making teeth appear longer.

• Persistent Bad Breath: The deeper infection often causes a noticeable and persistent unpleasant odor.

• Pus: You might see yellowish pus oozing from between your teeth and gums, especially when pressure is applied.

• Changes in Bite or Loose Teeth: As significant bone support is lost, teeth can begin to shift, drift, or feel loose. This is often a sign of advanced periodontitis. Pain may or may not be present until this later stage.

It is important to note that any bone loss is permanent and irreversible. While it is not possible to regrow lost bone, treatment is crucial to:

• Stop the disease progression

• Reduce pocket depth

• Control the infection

• Manage the condition long-term

This requires professional intervention, like deep cleaning, and consistent follow-up care (periodontal maintenance) to prevent further destruction and potential tooth loss.

Effective Treatments to Restore Gum Health

At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, your treatment plan will be tailored to the specific stage and severity of your gum disease.

Treatment for gingivitis can include:

• Professional Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis): A thorough cleaning by our skilled hygienist helps remove plaque and tartar buildup from above the gumline, allowing inflamed tissues to heal. 

• Improved Oral Hygiene Instruction: When necessary, we provide personalized coaching on effective brushing and flossing techniques and may recommend specific tools or antiseptic mouth rinses to optimize your home care.

Treatment for periodontitis can include:

• Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): This is typically the first line of defense against periodontitis. It's a deep cleaning procedure performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from deep within the periodontal pockets below the gumline. Root Planing smooths the tooth root surfaces, helping gums reattach and discouraging future bacterial growth. SRP may require one or more visits.

• Antibiotic Therapy: In some cases, localized antibiotics placed directly into the pockets or systemic antibiotics may be prescribed to help control the infection.

• Advanced Cases: For severe periodontitis that doesn't respond to non-surgical therapy, Dr. Kostas may discuss potential surgical treatments.