A lot of people have various problems about their gums, but not a lot of them know what the difference are and what degree is the seriousness of their periodontal disease. Here is a general guide on the difference in various levels that people experience when it comes to the state of their gums:
Healthy Gums
Gums have generally healthy coral-pink color and the gum line are at their normal range and hugs the teeth tightly with no gaps or abscesses. There is no pain felt and the gums do not bleed or appear to be swollen.
Gums with Gingivitis
The first stage of a gum problem usually starts with light bleeding when you brush your teeth, or put force to the gums. In some cases where the bleeding is more frequent and even with the slightest of force. In this case, the gums usually appear inflamed and may bring pain. The gums can also swell due to irritation and can appear as a flaming red or a bluish-red color.
This is the onset of possible halitosis or bad breath and as well as bad taste in the mouth occurs at this stage.
Early Periodontitis
This stage is where the bleeding, swelling and inflammation or irritation become even more pronounced. If the previous stage was mild, this stage would make the symptoms of periodontal disease starts to show more clearly.
The worsening starts at this stage where there is already visible signs that bacteria has wreaked its destructive path on the gums, leading to gum recession. This occurs when the gum line begins to pull away from its original place, looking tight and pulled back. Gum recession is a clear sign of periodontal disease and should be looked into by a dentist or dental hygienist as soon as possible.
Moderate-Advanced Periodontitis
Is even more dangerous, as the terrible chance of losing teeth can actually happen at this stage. At this point, there may be a pocket of about 3 mm wide between the teeth and gums in one place or another. The teeth may also develop gum boils or the abscess that was present in the Early stages continues to gradually enlarge as the bacteria piles up in the mouth
Gum recession is at the point of almost no return. The receding gums only continues and the roots of the teeth starts showing. As the roots are exposed, one may feel the pain from it being extra sensitive to different food temperatures