The Different Types of Gum Disease Explained

Did you know even the healthiest people in their twenties often neglect their oral health? Without proper oral care, you can suffer from serious gum disease.

For many, a mild disease may not show any symptoms. But oral disease affects over 3.9 billion people around the world.

If left alone, oral disease can lead to pain, discomfort, and expensive treatments.

Knowing the different types of gum disease will help you avoid them. In this article, we show you some types of gum disease that you may experience. Read on to find out more!

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease refers to the inflammation of your gums. The inflammation comes from the bacteria present in plaque. This colorless film can infect your gums, teeth, and even gum tissue.

If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the bone the supports your teeth. When your teeth lose their main source of support, they can become loose. This causes your teeth to fall out or lead to a visit to the dentist for removal.

Here are the different types of gum disease. Without proper dental care, you, too, can suffer from the following gum diseases.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first and mildest form of the periodontal disease stage. Improper flossing and not brushing daily can lead to the buildup of plaque along the gumline. It can cause swelling in the gums, leading to redness and bleeding.

You may notice mild bleeding while brushing or flossing your teeth. A patient with Gingivitis may experience little to no discomfort. At this stage, you may still improve damages.

With good professional treatment, you can reverse this and return to healthy gums. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can lead to the next stage: Periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Over time, plaque buildup can spread then grow below your gumline. The bacteria in plaque can spread toxins that irritate the gums. These toxins can cause a chronic inflammatory response.

When this happens, your body sabotages itself. Your body breaks down and destroys the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Your gums will begin to separate from your teeth.

This forms infected pockets of space between your gums and teeth. Without proper treatment, the pockets can grow deeper. Your body will continue to destroy bone and gum tissue.

Periodontitis may show mild symptoms. Without regular checkups, it can worsen and lead to the following stages.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This stage refers to the rapid loss of gum attachment. It can also affect bone tissue and familial aggregation. It is similar to chronic Periodontal disease, which can occur more often in people 45 and above.

The inflammation starts to grow below the gumline. Progressive destruction of bone and gingival tissue follows. With aggressive periodontal disease, gum loss happens much faster.

It may look like your teeth are growing in length. In reality, your gums are recessing at a gradual pace. This stage does not have a complete cure.

No treatment can rebuild lost supporting tissue. Your dentist may halt the disease’s progression with scaling and root planing procedures. They may combine this with antimicrobial treatments.

Systemic Disease Manifesting Periodontitis

Periodontal disease can manifest as a symptom of body conditions or other diseases. Depending on the condition, it can show similar behaviors to aggressive periodontal disease. The most common diseases include heart and respiratory disease and diabetes.

Other cofactors can accelerate the progression of gum disease even with little plaque. If you suffer from this form of periodontitis, first neutralize the medical condition. When treated, your dentist will use the same treatments listed above.

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease

Underlying conditions can lead to the rapid progression of this gum disease. People with HIV, malnutrition, or immunosuppression may suffer from this. It may also affect people who smoke or are under chronic stress.

Necrosis or tissue death affects the periodontal ligament. It will also impact the alveolar bone and gingival tissues. This form of periodontal gum disease is rare.

A dentist may likely consult a doctor before performing the treatment. Some treatments include scaling, root planing, and antibiotic pills. A dentist may also give their patient medicated mouth wash or fungicidal medicine.

Conditions Related to Gum Disease

Gum disease can impact several health conditions. The reverse is also true. Here are a few of them.

Diabetes

Patients with diabetes are at risk of dental problems and poor healing. Many people with diabetes are prone to infections and dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can make you more susceptible to gingivitis and tooth decay.

People with diabetes often have poor healing of oral tissues. Gingivitis may then be difficult to treat. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and soft floss.

Leukemia

Having leukemia are prone to developing gum disease. Children may develop gingivitis as an early symptom of leukemia. Many patients will develop gingivitis as leukemia cells penetrate the gums.

Leukemia can also reduce your ability to fight off infections. This leads to the rapid progression of gingivitis. A person with leukemia may need to wipe their teeth and gums with clean gauze instead of a toothbrush.

Menopause

Older women may suffer from desquamative gingivitis after going through menopause. While rare, this form of gingivitis can give you extreme pain. When this happens, the outer layers of the gums pull away then expose nerves.

If you’re a woman still undergoing menopause, hormone therapy can help. Your dentist may also prescribe a corticosteroid. You apply this to your gums as a paste or swallow it as a pill.

Vitamin C Deficiency

Poor nutrition can also lead to poor gum health. If your body lacks vitamin C, it can promote bleeding gums. Left untreated, it can turn into gingivitis.

Gum Disease Treatments

You can prevent gum disease by observing proper oral care. Daily flossing, brushing your teeth twice a day, and regular visits to the dentist can help. You can learn how to reverse gum disease here.