Many emergency dental services in Park Ridge are dedicated to treating gum disease. Gum disease poses serious risks to your oral and overall health. Gum disease can lead to red, bleeding, and tender gums. At its advanced stages, gum disease can cause your teeth to become loose and even fall out. In severe cases, gum disease leads to persistent bad breath and creates pockets of visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums. Fortunately, when you report your symptoms to your dental office as soon as possible, gum disease can usually be reversed. Read on to learn about the stages of gum disease, including mild gum disease, moderate gum disease, and advanced gum disease.

 

Mild Gum Disease

Mild gum disease does not require emergency dental services, but it should still be treated immediately after a patient notices symptoms. The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, you may notice plaque or tartar build-up between your teeth and gums. Your gums may also begin to recede, or pull back from your teeth. A dentist may treat your gum disease with a professional teeth cleaning and by recommending brushing and flossing more regularly.

Moderate Gum Disease

During the second stage of gum disease, your gums will recede further, requiring more advanced dental care. While gingivitis is sometimes accompanied by no symptoms at all, more advanced periodontal disease generally causes the gums to bleed when brushing or flossing teeth. At this point, your jawbone and connective tissue may or may not be damaged. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your dentist may recommend different dental care solutions or emergency dental services.

Advanced Gum Disease

In its final stages, gum disease is irreversible. Advanced periodontal disease is especially common in seniors. Many elderly dental patients visit their dentist offices to seek treatment after noticing that their dentures no longer fit. At this point, the jawbone and gums have been compromised. Periodontal treatment focuses on attempting to preserve any remaining natural teeth.