Periodontal disease, also referred to as gum disease is a major cause of both tooth loss and bone loss as explained by a Dentist La Jolla. It is important to know its stages as early identification and treatment, can cure the disease completely. Here in La Jolla, understanding the stages of gum disease can protect your oral health and prevent more serious problems. This article will detail the different stages of gum disease from stage 0 to severe and their proper prevention and therapy.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which involves inflammation of the gums. This is heavily linked with a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that forms when food particles are mixed with saliva and not removed properly by brushing and flossing.

Symptoms of Gingivitis:

• Red, swollen gums
• When brushing or flossing, gums bleed
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Gum tenderness

At the current stage, the damage is reversible because the teeth are not loose and do not have bone or connective tissue problems holding them in place. Gingivitis is often reversible with good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day flossing daily, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis

The neglect of gingivitis may lead to early periodontitis. During this phase, the inflammation goes beyond the gum line and starts to form pockets with depth between the gums and your teeth which later on get infected. The immune system generates an erroneous response, destroying bones and connective tissue infected by the worm.

Symptoms of Early Periodontitis

• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Gums develop periodontal pockets between teeth
• Small dental X-rays show mild bone loss

Early periodontitis treatment may include scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning performed to remove the plaque or tartar below the gum line and smooth out the tooth roots. Better oral hygiene and in some cases antibiotics can control the infection as well.

Grade 3: Average Periodontitis

In the case of moderate periodontitis, more destruction of bone and supporting tissue occurs. As the periodontal pockets deepen, additional bone support is lost. Over time, the gums may recede more and expose the tooth roots, making them even more sensitive and causing additional problems.

Moderate Periodontitis Symptoms:

• Deepening of the pocket (this has to be interpreted on an oral exam)
• Moderate bone loss
• More noticeable gum recession
• Possible tooth mobility

Treatment at this stage is likely to be more involved, including deep cleaning and possible flap surgery. This is a reconstructive surgery that allows the removal of tartar by elevating the gum to clean at the root level and then subsequently repositioning it properly for better cleaning and improved healing.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis 

Advanced stage of gum disease. This is the most intricate stage of gum disease, where the bone and supporting structures are severely damaged. At this stage, tooth loss can occur and it can have wide-reaching effects on general health which may even increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Features of Severe Periodontitis

• Severe gum recession
• Deep periodontal pockets
• Significant bone loss
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Painful chewing

Following this phase, the treatment of severe chronic periodontitis may involve corrective surgical techniques like bone grafts, GTR, or even tooth removal in the case of such destruction. It is important to keep the progression at bay to avoid the consequences that the patient faces.

Prevention and Management

Gum disease prevention in La Jolla involves good oral hygiene practices. A few steps to help you maintain the well-being of your gums are discussed below:

Get professional cleanings and checkups from your La Jolla dentist every six months. The sooner that gum disease is detected, the easier it will be to manage. Consume a well-balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and calcium which are important for your gums

Keep in mind that an early warning and the word are the main ways to keep gum disease at bay and promote a healthy smile. Preventive dental care and maintaining proper oral cleanliness can help protect you against gum disease.