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Information About Different Kinds of Gum Disease

A nice smile can go a long way. It reassures others and rewards you with a good impression. Improper oral hygiene can result in an unattractive smile and, unfortunately, gum disease. To reduce the risk of developing gum diseases, it is important to know the different types and how to prevent them.

  1. Gingivitis

    • Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease, and the mildest. It stems from poor oral hygiene, which results in plaque and tartar build-up. It can be eliminated if treatment is sought early. During gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen and is apt to bleed easily.

    Periodontitis

    • If gingivitis is left untreated, it eventually results in periodontitis. Eventually, tarter invades the gum line and the bacteria in the tarter spawns toxins, irritating the gum. These toxins cause inflammation, which breaks down and destroys the teeth's supporting tissues and bones. As periodontitis advances, the teeth can loosen and require removal.

    Aggressive Periodontitis

    • Aggressive periodontitis occurs when gingival inflammation is present and the bone around the teeth becomes damaged. During this stage, painless blood occurs while cleaning the teeth. This painless bleeding is a strong indicator of having aggressive periodontitis, which often occurs in clinically healthy people.

    Chronic Periodontitis

    • Chronic periodontitis exists mainly in adults, but can occur in children. It is the most common form of periodontitis. The result is inflammation of the teeth's supporting tissues and bone loss. Typically, attachment loss happens slowly, but can increase at any time.

    Necrotizing

    • Necrotizing periodontitis is caused by necrosis (annihilation) of the gingival tissue, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar (lung air sacs) bones. It can manifest in those infected by HIV, immunosuppression (immune system breakdown) or malnutrition.

    Systemic Diseases

    • Periodontitis can occur in individuals with systemic diseases, such as respiratory disease, heart disease and diabetes. A person diagnosed with any of these illnesses should consult a dentist to know what (if any) precautions they can take.

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