Gum disease happens in stages. It starts as gingivitis, which is when your gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. At this stage, the damage can still be reversed with good oral care and professional cleanings. But if gingivitis is not treated, it can turn into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.
As periodontitis gets worse, it becomes what dentists call advanced or severe periodontitis. This is when the infection goes deeper into your gums and starts to damage the bone that supports your teeth. You may begin to notice that your teeth feel loose or even start to shift. Without treatment, tooth loss becomes a real risk.
Getting help early is very important. If gum disease is caught and treated in its early stages, you can avoid more serious damage. But once it becomes advanced, treatment is more complicated, and recovery can take longer. That’s why regular dental visits and early care are the best way to protect your teeth and gums.[1]
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Periodontitis
If you have severe periodontitis, it means your gums and the bone that holds your teeth are already badly damaged. Spotting the signs early can help prevent more serious problems. Here are some things to look out for:
1. Persistent Bad Breath or Bad Taste
If your breath smells bad all the time or you keep getting a bad taste in your mouth, it might be from bacteria trapped under the gums. This is a common sign of gum disease. [2]
2. Gum Recession and Visibly Longer Teeth
When gums pull away from the teeth, your teeth can start to look longer than usual. This is called gum recession, and it can also expose the roots, which are normally hidden. [3]
3. Loose or Shifting Teeth
Advanced gum disease can damage the bone around your teeth. When that happens, your teeth may feel loose or even move out of place, creating gaps that weren’t there before. [4]
4. Deep Gum Pockets and Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, it’s a warning sign. Dentists also check for deep pockets, spaces between the tooth and gum where bacteria collect. These are clear signs of serious gum disease. [1]
5. Pain While Chewing or Sensitivity
Your teeth may become sensitive to hot, cold, or even sweet foods. You might also feel pain when chewing, especially if the roots of your teeth are exposed or infected. [5]
Gum disease doesn’t heal on its own, and advanced periodontitis can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Early care can protect your smile and your health.
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What Causes Advanced Periodontitis?
- Plaque and Tartar Buildup: When plaque isn’t cleaned off, it hardens into tartar and causes gum infections.
- Poor Oral Hygiene Habits: not brushing and flossing daily allows bacteria to grow and damage gums.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking weakens the gums and makes it harder for them to heal. [6]
- Chronic Conditions (e.g., Diabetes): Health issues like diabetes can raise your risk of serious gum disease.
Genetic Predisposition: Some people inherit a higher risk of gum disease from their family. [1] - Delaying Dental Care: Skipping checkups can let small issues turn into severe gum disease.
Risks and Complications If Left Untreated
If severe periodontitis is not treated, the damage can go beyond your gums. It can affect your whole body, not just your mouth. Here are the risks you need to be aware of:
1. Tooth Loss
Advanced gum disease destroys the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. As a result, teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out. [4]
2. Jawbone Damage (Bone Resorption)
The infection can lead to bone loss in your jaw. This is called bone resorption, and it can change your bite and make it harder to get dental implants in the future. [7]
3. Spread of Infection to Other Parts of the Body
Bacteria from the gums can enter your bloodstream and spread to other areas, potentially leading to more serious infections or inflammation. [1]
4. Links to Heart Disease, Stroke, and Other Systemic Health Problems
Studies have shown a connection between gum disease and major health issues like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even problems during pregnancy. The inflammation in your gums may raise your overall health risks. [8]
5. Decreased Quality of Life and Self-Confidence
Living with gum disease can affect how you eat, speak, and smile. It can lead to pain, embarrassment, and a lower sense of self-esteem. [9]
If you’re noticing loose teeth, bleeding gums, or persistent bad breath, it may be time for a professional gum evaluation.
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Diagnosis: How Dentists Identify Severe Gum Disease
If you think you might have severe gum disease, it’s important to see your dentist right away. At Englewood Dental, we use several tools and techniques to check your gums and see how serious the problem is. Here’s how we do it:
1. Clinical Exams and Measuring Pocket Depth
Your dentist will carefully examine your gums and teeth. One key part of the exam is measuring the space between your teeth and gums using a special tool. These spaces are called “pockets.” Healthy gums usually have pockets that are 1–3 mm deep. If the pockets are deeper, it could be a sign of advanced gum disease. [10]
2. Dental X-rays to Assess Bone Loss
X-rays help your dentist see the bone that supports your teeth. If gum disease has damaged the bone, it will show up on the X-ray. This is one of the most important ways to tell how far the disease has progressed. [4]
3. Comprehensive Periodontal Charting
This is a detailed record of your gum health. Your dentist or hygienist will note the depth of each pocket, any bleeding, and areas where your gums may be pulling away from your teeth. This chart helps track your progress before, during, and after treatment. [1]
4. Personalized Assessment at Englewood Dental
At Englewood Dental – The Center for Implants and Aesthetics, we take the time to create a treatment plan tailored just for you. Whether you’re dealing with gum disease or looking to restore your smile, our team is here to guide you with expert care in a comfortable setting.
Treatment Options for Advanced Periodontitis
If you have advanced periodontitis, the good news is that there are several treatment options that can help stop the disease, manage damage, and restore your smile. At Englewood Dental, we offer both traditional and advanced treatments to fit your needs.
1. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
This is a deep cleaning procedure where the dentist removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. The roots of the teeth are also smoothed out to help the gums reattach and heal. This is usually the first step in treating advanced gum disease. [11]
2. Laser Gum Therapy
Laser therapy uses light energy to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the gums. It’s a less invasive option than traditional surgery, with less bleeding and faster healing.
At Englewood Dental, we proudly offer laser gum therapy to give our patients a more comfortable and modern treatment experience.
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3. Antibiotic Therapy (Topical or Oral)
Antibiotics may be used to kill the bacteria causing the infection. They can be applied directly to the gums or taken by mouth, depending on your needs. This is often done along with deep cleaning or other treatments.
4. Gum Surgery: Flap Surgery, Bone Grafts, or Tissue Regeneration
When gum disease is severe, surgery might be needed.
- Flap surgery lifts the gums to clean deep areas of infection.
- Bone grafts rebuild areas where the bone has been lost.
- Guided tissue regeneration helps the body grow new bone and gum tissue.
These options help save your teeth and support long-term gum health. [1]
5. Tooth Replacement Options: Dental Implants for Lost Teeth
If teeth have already been lost due to gum disease, dental implants are a strong and natural-looking replacement option. Implants are placed in the jawbone and can help restore your smile and bite function. [12]
Recovery and Ongoing Maintenance
After getting treatment for advanced periodontitis, your recovery doesn’t stop at the dental chair. Taking care of your gums at home and seeing your dentist regularly are key to keeping the disease from coming back.
1. Importance of Follow-Up Appointments
Going back to your dentist for regular follow-ups is very important. These visits help your dentist check if your gums are healing properly and catch any signs of the disease returning early. Skipping these visits can lead to more serious problems down the line. [11]
2. Special Cleaning Routines and Home Care Instructions
Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to clean your teeth and gums more effectively at home. You may need to use special brushes, flossing tools, or antibacterial mouthwash to keep harmful bacteria away. Good daily care at home helps prevent infection from coming back. [1]
3. Role of Periodontal Maintenance Every 3–4 Months
After treatment, many patients need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months instead of the usual twice-a-year cleanings. These visits help remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets that regular brushing can’t reach. This ongoing care is key to keeping your gums healthy in the long run.
Preventing Further Damage and Future Gum Disease
Even after treatment, it’s important to keep your gums healthy. The right daily habits and lifestyle changes can help stop gum disease from coming back.
1. Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss daily to clean between your teeth, where your brush can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and prevent buildup.
2. Lifestyle Tips: Quit Smoking, Manage Diabetes, Reduce Sugar Intake
Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it harder for your gums to heal. Managing diabetes helps your body fight infection better. Reducing sugar can also lower your risk of plaque buildup and gum problems. [2]
3. Regular Dental Check-ups and Professional Cleanings
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dental team can catch early signs of gum disease and help remove tartar before it causes serious damage.
If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease, or if it’s been a while since your last dental visit, it’s time to take action. Treating gum disease early can save your teeth and protect your overall health.
A simple gum checkup can help detect issues before they become serious. At Englewood Dental – The Center for Implants and Aesthetics, our expert team is here to help you take control of your gum health.
References:
- https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
- https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10952-periodontitis
- https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16620-periodontitis
- https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html
- https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-risk-factors
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/periodontal-pocket
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354479
- https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/what-are-dental-implants/