What are the stages of gum disease?

There are four general stages of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to more serious conditions. Stage 1: Inflammation and swelling of the gums, which is the first stage of gum disease, and its symptoms include inflamed gums or red gums that may bleed when brushed. Stage 2: In early periodontitis, slight loss of the bone that supports the teeth occurs although no other symptoms are readily noticeable. Stage 3: In mild periodontitis, more bone and gum tissue is destroyed and loosening of the teeth may also occur. Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of the disease. Symptoms become more severe, teeth can loosen, and chewing hurts. Extensive dental treatment is usually required to try to repair the damage caused by advanced periodontitis.