Stages of Periodontal Disease

Healthy Gums

  • Coral pink color
  • Gums hug teeth tightly
  • No bleeding
Gums are a coral pink color, hug teeth tightly, and do not bleed.Photograph of Healthy Gums
Gums are a coral pink color, hug teeth tightly, and do not bleed.Diagram of Healthy Gums

Gingivitis

  • Bleeding while brushing or during probing
  • Inflamed, sensitive gums
  • Possible bad breath and/or bad taste in mouth
Gums bleed during brushing, and are inflamed and sensitive. Possible bad breath or taste in mouth.Photograph of Gingivitis
Gums bleed during brushing, and are inflamed and sensitive. Possible bad breath or taste in mouth.Diagram of Gingivitis

Mild Periodontitis

  • More pronounced gingival bleeding, swelling
  • Gums may begin to pull away from teeth
  • Bad breath and/or bad taste in mouth
  • Pockets 3-4 mm deep
More pronounced gingival bleeding, swelling. Gums may begin to pull away from teeth.Photograph of Mild Periodontitis
More pronounced gingival bleeding, swelling. Gums may begin to pull away from teeth.Diagram of Mild Periodontitis

Moderate Periodontitis

  • Teeth may look longer due to gum recession
  • Gum boils or abscesses may develop
  • Possible bad breath and/or bad taste in mouth
  • Teeth may begin to drift and show spaces
  • Pockets 4-6 mm deep
Teeth may look longer due to gum recession. Gum boils or abscesses may develop. Teeth may begin to drift and show spaces.Photograph of Moderate Periodontitis
Teeth may look longer due to gum recession. Gum boils or abscesses may develop. Teeth may begin to drift and show spaces.Diagram of Mild Periodontitis

Advanced Periodontitis

  • Teeth may become mobile or loose
  • Constant bad breath and/or bad taste in mouth
  • Teeth sensitive due to exposed roots
  • Pockets >6 mm deep
  • Some teeth may be extracted (pulled)
eeth may become mobile or loose. Constant bad breath. Teeth become sensitive due to exposed roots.Photograph of Advanced Periodontitis
Teeth may become mobile or loose. Constant bad breath. Teeth become sensitive due to exposed roots.Diagram of Advanced Periodontitis