Are your gums hurting or bleeding every time you eat or brush your teeth? Is there more than a normal amount of your tooth protruding from your gums? You may be dealing with one of the more advanced stages of gum disease, causing a slew of oral health symptoms in your mouth. If this is happening to you, you may also be wondering – can gum health affect tooth loss as well? 

Can Gum Health Affect Tooth Loss?

Tooth loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including a decreased ability to brush and floss. Genetics and physical trauma can also play a role in influencing the severity of gum disease symptoms. Below, your trusted periodontist in Los Angeles will discuss the details of periodontitis, its symptoms, and the different stages of gum disease to look out for to prevent major tooth loss.

About Periodontitis – Gum Disease

The most common type of gum disease starts with a gum infection. If left untreated, this infection can impact the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your bone mass. Decay quickly spreads to the soft tissues of the mouth and eventually reaches the bone. A weaker bone structure can lead to tooth loss, rot, and other unpleasant effects.

This disease is extremely serious, especially as it grows more advanced. We take every precaution to prevent our patients from reaching the bone loss stage. We offer treatment options and procedures to reverse the effects of periodontitis at any phase.

Stages of Gum Disease

Unfortunately, tooth loss is a major symptom of gum disease. If you are losing teeth unexpectedly, your dentist will turn to your gums for a full diagnosis. Depending on the other symptoms occurring in your mouth, you may be at one of the following stages of gum disease:

Stage 1: Pre-Gingivitis

Sometimes, gum disease is difficult to detect in its early stages. There may not even be symptoms. You will notice swelling and pain in your teeth only when the disease progresses to the next stage.

When you eat hard foods like apples or candy, you might experience some bleeding. Keep an eye on the bleeding and call your dentist immediately if it becomes more severe.

Stage 2: Gingivitis

This stage is the most severe and difficult to reverse. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is called gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease. You will start to feel symptoms such as swelling, irritation, and sensitivity. When this stage is over, you will start to notice signs that can cause pain. Your dentist can prescribe products to reverse the effects of gingivitis.

Stage 3: Full Periodontitis

If it isn’t treated promptly and effectively, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis. Gum disease can be early if it causes tender, inflamed gums. These gums can be extremely painful. You may experience bleeding gums when you brush your teeth.

You may notice your gums becoming pale or loosening. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to immediately contact your dentist. You can save your teeth by calling your dentist immediately.

Stage 4: Severe Gum Disease

Moderate periodontitis is defined as visible receding teeth and jawbone disintegration. Your roots can fall out when your gums recede. It is easier for infection and decay to spread throughout your mouth. Gum disease can spread faster and become more severe if it is not treated promptly. You should contact a doctor immediately if your gum disease has advanced.

Stage 5: Advanced Gum Disease

Advanced periodontitis can only be treated when the gum disease has not been treated. This period will see you lose one or more teeth. Your gums may not heal properly without surgery.

If your gum disease is caught early enough to get antibiotic treatment, you can save your teeth. If the disease has advanced, there is little you can do. You may need to have your teeth removed and seek out more advanced restorative dentistry options to ensure your dental health in the future.

Improve Gum Health with Experts You Can Trust

Gum health is essential to maintaining great oral hygiene and keeping your teeth in good shape. If you are worried that you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, whether in the form of gingivitis or periodontitis, get in touch with your local periodontist for a same-day appointment. We offer advanced periodontal disease treatment in Los Angeles that works to prevent tooth loss and restore all of your dental health needs.