Gum disease comes in two major forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease affects the gums and bones your teeth, and if left untreated can lead to tooth loss. Healthy tooth maintenance--daily brushing and flossing and annual visits to your dentist--can prevent these diseases. You can have periodontitis without any noticeable symptoms at first, so it is important to see your dentist regularly to have him check your teeth and gums for proper health.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is considered the mildest form of gum disease. It can cause symptoms such as swollen or red gums, frequent gum bleeding and mild discomfort. Gingivitis is caused by a lack of proper oral hygiene and can easily be reversed if you seek medical attention from a dentist and begin to take proper care of your teeth. If left unchecked, however, gingivitis can lead to the more serious forms of periodontal disease, periodontitis.
Periodontitis
When plaque spreads and grows beneath the gum line, the toxins in the plaque break down the gums and supporting bones under the teeth, causing pockets of space to appear between teeth and gums. Over time, this will cause the teeth to loosen and fall out. Any change in the way your teeth fit together, or a loosening of your teeth, may signal the appearance of a serious periodontal disease.
Treatment of periodontitis in all its forms involves a visit to your dentist to repair your teeth and gums, as well as future maintenance of your teeth with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental appointments. During treatment, your dentist may have to remove some of your teeth if the disease has spread too far to repair the damage.
Aggressive Periodontitis
This is a type of periodontitis that occurs in patients who are in good health otherwise. This condition is called aggressive periodontitis because it brings rapid tooth-gum separation and tooth loosening, as well as rapid bone destruction.
Chronic Periodontitis
Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontitis and involves an inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth. In general, this disease affects adults, though it can occur at any age. The progression of separation of the gums and teeth is usually slower with chronic periodontitis, but there can be periods of rapid progression as well.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
With necrotizing periodontal disease, the tissues around the gums undergo necrosis (tissue death). The necrosis can also spread to the bones and ligaments that support the teeth. This disease is usually the result of an underlying condition in the immune system, such as HIV, malnutrition, or immunosuppression.
Underlying Systemic Conditions
Some underlying conditions can also cause periodontal disease. When this happens, it is known as periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases. These systemic diseases include diabetes, respiratory disease and heart disease. Treatment in these cases involves treating the periodontal disease, as above, and also the underlying condition.
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