GUM DISEASE COMES IN STATES
Although, there are three stages in gum disease, it is one continuous process. The different stages are characterized by what you see and feel and by what is happening under your gumline.

STAGE 1 - Gingivitis
You may notice some swelling, bleeding, tenderness, and/or bad breath. At this stage the gums may be loose but are still attached high on the teeth.

You may have 1 - 3 mm pockets, as well, calculus and plaque may start to form along the gumline. Plaque may also start to form below the gumline, but there is no bone loss or ligament damage at this stage.

STAGE 1

 

STAGE 2 - Periodontitis
At this stage you may may notice bright red or receding gums, spaces between teeth, calculus along the gum line and some of the symptoms listed in stage 1.

You may have pockets measuring 3 - 5 mm, calculus begins to progress below the gumline and you may encounter some bone loss. Ligaments can become damaged at this stage thus teeth begin to loosen.

STAGE 2

 

STAGE 3 - Advanced Periodontitis
You may notice receding gums which expose some root, darker calculus. If you press on your gums you may notice some pus, along with symptons from Stage 1 & 2.

You may have pockets of 5 mm or more, swelling around the root of the tooth, and more bone loss. At this stage teeth may begin to fall out.

STAGE 3