What Are The Stages Of Gum Disease?
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What is Gum Disease?
How do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease can occur at any age, but it is most common among adults. If detected in its early stages, gum disease can be improved so see your dental professional if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Gums that are red, puffy or swollen, or tender
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
How is Gum Disease Treated?
The treatment for gum disease will depend on how far the disease has progressed, and how well your body responds to the treatment.
The early stages of gum disease ( gingivitis) can be reversed by improving your oral hygiene regime. Your dental professional can also clean or "scale" your teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gumline. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar.
If your condition is more advanced , a deeper scaling and root planing procedure may be performed. Root planing helps to remove tartar and plaque, and smooth irregularities on the roots of the teeth, making it more difficult for plaque to deposit there. This type of treatment may be done over several appointments. In some cases surgery is required.
By scheduling regular checkups, early stage gum disease can be treated before it leads to a much more serious condition.
 | Healthy Gums - healthy gums are firm and don't bleed. They fit snugly around the teeth. |
 | Gingivitis - gums are mildly inflamed, may appear red or swollen and may bleed during brushing. |
 | Periodontitis - gums begin to separate and recede from the teeth. This allows plaque to move toward the roots, supporting fibers and bone. |
 | Advanced Periodontitis - supporting fibers and bone are destroyed. Teeth become loose and may need to be removed. |
Related Products
Prescription Products
Colgate® Total Active Prevention Clean Mint MouthwashColgate Total Clean Mint Antibacterial Mouthwash Fights the Root Cause* of: Bad Breath, Plaque, Tartar. Clinically Tested, the alcohol free^ formula delivers 24 hour antibacterial protection**
Prescription Products
Colgate® Savacol® Gum Care Daily Mouth RinseColgate Savacol Gum Care Daily Mouth Rinse has antibacterial action to help prevent plaque build up and tartar for stronger gums*.
Prescription Products
Colgate Savacol Alcohol Free Antiseptic Mouth & Throat RinseColgate® Savacol® Mouthwash Mint is an antiseptic mouth & throat rinse. The antibacterial ingredient in Colgate® Savacol® mouthwash works to reduce the formation of plaque and aid the treatment of gingivitis.
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