Stages of Periodontal Disease
GINGIVITIS: Gums bleed easily when you brush or when probed gently during examination ~ Gums are inflamed and sensitive to touch. Possible bad breath and bad taste. Gums between teeth may look bluish-red in color.
EARLY PERIODONTITIS:
Gums may begin to pull away from the teeth. Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation more pronounced. Bad breath, bad taste. Slight loss of bone, horizontally on X-ray ~ Pockets of 3-4mm between teeth and gums in one or more areas of the mouth
MODERATE PERIODONTITIS:
Gum boils or abscesses may develop ~ Teeth look longer as gums begin to recede. Front teeth may begin to drift, showing spaces. Bad breath, bad taste. Both horizontal and angular bone loss on X-ray. Pockets between teeth and gum range from 4-6mm deep.
ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS:
Teeth may become mobile or loose. Bad breath, bad taste are constant. Roots may be exposed and are
sensitive to hot and cold. Severe horizontal and angular bone loss on X-ray. Pockets between teeth and gum now in excess of
7mm deep.
HEALTH:
Gums have healthy pink color. Gum line hugs teeth tightly. No bleeding seen.
