When gum disease is discovered early, it is more easily treated and, in most cases, can be reversed. As it progresses, it becomes more difficult to treat. The earliest stages of gum disease can advance to a more serious problem and can lead to the loss of teeth or other health problems. Knowing the different types of gum diseases can be beneficial for treating and even preventing it altogether. Let’s take a look at the various stages and types of common gum diseases.
Six Types of Gum Disease
Gingivitis: Healthy gums appear pink and feel firm. If you notice your gums turning red, bleeding easily, or are red or swollen, you might have gingivitis. This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. In most cases, it is due to the lack of good oral hygiene. At this stage, it is reversible, if treated properly by your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist coupled with good oral care at home.
Periodontitis: This is another term for advanced gum disease. This goes further than affecting gum tissue and spreads below the gum line and affects your teeth. It can cause deterioration of the jawbone and cause tooth loss as well as jawbone atrophy. Symptoms of periodontitis include chronic bad breath, gingival pockets containing pus, and receding gum lines.
Aggressive Periodontitis: This stage of gum disease progresses rapidly. The ligaments holding teeth in place, bones, and gingival tissue continue to deteriorate at an advanced pace.
Chronic periodontitis: This is a slow occurring deterioration. The inflammation of the gums and bone loss continues to occur but at a slower rate.
Systemic periodontitis: Gum disease occurring due to systemic disease is considered systemic periodontitis. Some of the systemic conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Respiratory disease
- Heart disease
Necrotizing periodontal disease: Those who suffer from this type of gum disease usually have other underlying conditions including HIV, malnutrition, or immunosuppression. Death of the living tissue, alveolar bone, and ligaments don’t deteriorate due to a disease. Rather, they begin to deteriorate because they are deprived of the nourishment needed to stay healthy.
What can I do to prevent gum diseases?
There are several things you can do to help prevent gum disease.
- Brushing your teeth regularly helps remove debris and plaque that can become trapped between teeth and gums. Remember to brush your tongue as well as bacteria likes to hang out there too.
- Flossing at least one time a day helps remove plaque and food particles that cannot be reached by brushing alone.
- Using mouthwash helps reduce plaque and prevents it from building up. Swishing it around in your mouth as directed can help remove any leftover food particles that were missed by brushing and flossing.
- Risk factors such as age, diet, genetics, and smoking can increase your risk of developing gum disease. If you are at an increased risk, discuss it with a dental professional at Smile Glen Ellyn.
- Regular dental checkups with Dr. Gibbs can help prevent gum disease and other dental problems. A dental professional can examine your teeth, gums, bite, and bone structure to determine if you are at risk for developing gum disease. Early detection is the key to protecting your teeth and gums.
Contact Dr. Gibbs
The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis. Routine visits are part of helping you maintain good oral health. If you have any questions about gum diseases or your oral health, please contact us. We are here to help you! Schedule your visit with the team at Smile Glen Ellyn today.
