Types Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is another name for advanced gum disease. It starts out as gingivitis, which can then develop into a more serious oral problem if nothing is done about it. The key is to make oral hygiene a top priority. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and eat a diet that promotes strong healthy teeth, bones and gums. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine exam and cleanings. If you notice any bleeding, inflammation, soreness or redness of the gums in between dental visits then schedule one right away and don’t wait. This also goes for sensitive and loose teeth.

Periodontal disease can take more than one form. Let us take a look at the different types of gum disease. Keep in mind that there are rare instances where periodontal disease has a genetic link.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is considered to be the starting point for gum or more advanced periodontal disease. It is also the mildest form of the oral disease. Gingivitis is commonly mentioned in health classes in school and in toothpaste commercials on television.

Gingivitis causes the gums to look red in color instead of pink and they can become swollen, puffy and can bleed with little pressure exerted on them at all. In most cases gingivitis does not causes any degree of discomfort but some people may notice that their teeth are more sensitive than they used to be. The good news is that gingivitis is a reversible condition and can be improved upon with excellent oral hygiene at home and professional treatments at the dentist’s office.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This type of periodontal disease can rear its ugly head in individuals who are otherwise healthy. The most common features of aggressive periodontitis are bone destruction, rapid attachment loss and familial aggregation.

Chronic Periodontitis

This type of periodontal disease occurs when the gum problem has been left untreated and undiagnosed for a lengthy period of time. Inflammation and swelling takes place in the tissues that support the teeth and there is evidence of progressive attachment and bone loss. Pockets form at the base of the teeth and the gum line and /or the gums begins to show signs of recession. This is the most common form of periodontal disease and is more commonly seen in adults than young people but can effect occur in individuals of any age. Attachment loss generally takes a long period of time to occur but it can progress quickly in some cases.

Periodontitis as a Result of Systemic Diseases

Periodontal disease sometimes will start at a young age when a person is afflicted with one of many systemic diseases such as diabetes for example.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases

Necrosis is the death of tissue or cells and in this case an infection sets into the gum tissues, periodontal ligament and/or alveolar bone that causes lesions. This condition is most often seen in people who suffer from systemic forms of medical conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression or malnutrition. There are other types of systemic conditions but these are three of the most talk about kinds.

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