Types of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease in the periodontal disease family. Gingivitis causes the gums to become mildly red, swollen, and bleed easily. No pain or discomfort is usually involved at this stage of gum disease. It’s reversible with good oral care (brushing/flossing DAILY) and regular oral treatment such as semiannual dental cleanings by seeing the dentist frequently. Some factors may make certain populations more prone to gingivitis infections than others including those with inadequate nutrition, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations, pregnant women, substance abusers, or people with HIV infections.

Periodontitis gets more serious when gingivitis turns into periodontitis. This is where the plaque begins to harden on the gums, and seep into the gum line. The plaque can get into the bone structure of the teeth, and chew through the bone structure of the jawline if left untreated long enough. At the most advanced stage this can ultimately lead to lose teeth that have to be removed as the jaw’s bone structure can no longer hold the teeth in properly. In the end, it leads to there being no option but to remove teeth when left untreated long enough.

There are many forms of periodontitis, including the following:

Aggressive Periodontitis which occurs in patients that are otherwise clinically healthy and free from disease. Commonly this kind of periodontitis features rapid attachment loss of the tooth from the bone structure in the gum line and familial aggregation.

Chronic Periodontitis is what occurs when the inflammation of the tissues supporting the tooth structure begins. This also eventually results in progressive attachment and bone loss as well. This is characterized by pockets of infections forming and the gingiva being chewed through. It is mostly prevalent in adults but can occur at any age with poor oral dental care.

Periodontitis As A Manifestation Of Systemic Disease can often begin in children at quite young ages. Conditions like heart diseases or diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease occurs when an infection is characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues and periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. These lesions are most common in individuals with things like HIV Infections, malnutrition, or immunosuppression conditions.

If you have any questions regarding this article please contact us or call us 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”