Different Types of Gum Disease

To reinstate the sparkling smile not only teeth but gum care is also very important. Gum disease is also recognized as “periodontal disease”. It is bacterial infection that damages the attachment fibers and the supporting bone that holds the teeth in the mouth. The word periodontal factually means “around the tooth.” In the following article different types of gum disease, their causes and prevention are explained.

Untreated Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss or heart problems such as artery blockage or stroke. Periodontal disease may affect one or many incisors. Plaque and bacteria cause gum disease which affects the gum severely. If plaque, film on the teeth is deposited on the teeth for a long time and not removed correctly with the help of flossing and brushing then it becomes harder and then it is called tartar. When this tartar and bacteria grow below and around the gum, gum disease takes place. We should know what kinds of gum diseases are affecting our oral health before taking care of periodontal diseases.

Causes of gum disease:

• Grinding the teeth
• Smoking and tobacco
• Genetics
• Pregnancy
• Medications
• Diabetes
• Poor nutrition

Symptoms of Gum disease:

• Loose or separating teeth
• Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in the mouth
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Sores in the mouth
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• A change in the way the teeth fit together when bite
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Types of Gum disease

Gingivitis:

Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of periodontal disease. It is caused by poor oral hygiene which leads to the build up of plaque and tartar. Gingivitis can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Swollen gum, redness and gum bleeding are the main symptoms of Gingivitis. During normal brushing and flossing the gums will bleed. Factors contribute to gingivitis are diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic predisposition, stress, poor nutrition, hormonal fluctuations and certain medications. Other type of gum diseases that is on the advanced stage is led by gingivitis, if it is left untreated.

Periodontitis:

Untreated gingivitis can proceed to periodontitis. Plaque can spread and grow under the gum line with the time. Toxins created by the microbes in plaque annoy the gums. A chronic inflammatory response is stimulated by toxins and is responsible for destruction and broken down of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Forming spaces between the teeth and gums that become infected, gums separate from the teeth. The pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed as the disease progress. This process has very mild symptoms. Ultimately the teeth become loose and may have to be removed.

Aggressive Periodontitis:

Aggressive Periodontitis is a type of gum disease found in the patients who have overall good oral health. Rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation are the common symptom of Aggressive Periodontitis.

Chronic Periodontitis:

Chronic Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that needs instant periodontal treatment. Within the supporting tissue of the teeth it causes inflammation leading to progressive plaque attachment and rapid bone loss. It is common with in adults but it can happen to people of any age. If this form of gum disease is left untreated, then it will require gum surgery.

Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Disease:

It often occurs to individuals at young age. General conditions like heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are connected with this form of periodontitis.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases:

It is the most hazardous form of gum disease. It is typified by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal tendon and alveolar bone. In individuals with systemic circumstances like HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression, these lesions are generally observed.

Prevention of gum disease:

• Go for regular dental check-up
• Brush after each meal
• Stop consuming tobacco
• Brush twice a day
• Take balanced diet
• Floss at least one time a day.

Video of Dental Health : Home Treatments for Gum Disease from youtube:

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