Gum Disease
Gum disease is considered a common problem amount many dental patients. There are a variety of gum disease types. Regardless of what type a person may suffer from, all types will need treatment immediately by an experienced periodontist. Treatment will help salvage the bone and gum tissue. The following are the types of gum diseases:
Periodontal Disease – Systemic Conditions
Periodontal disease can actually trigger other types of bodily diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and even respiratory disease. In addition, there are several medical conditions that can speed up the progression of periodontal disease.
Chronic Periodontal Disease
One common symptom of chronic periodontal disease is when a gum line experiences inflammation. When inflammation progresses, the gingival and bone tissue are destroyed. This condition gives an impression that the teeth are growing longer. In reality, the gums are actually recessing. This type of periodontal condition is very common among patients who are over the age of 45.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is considered a mild type of periodontitis. People who suffer from
diabetes, pregnant women, people with high blood pressure and women taking birth control medication are prone to gingivitis. This type of disease is caused by toxins within plaque that cause periodontal disease.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
This type of periodontal disease occurs when necrosis (tissue death) distresses the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and gingival tissues. Smokers, people with stress disorders, malnutrition, immunosuppression and HIV are prone to necrotizing periodontal disease.
Aggressive Periodontal Disease
When a person experiences a rapid loss of bone tissue and gum attachment, it is known as aggressive periodontal disease. It is very similar to chronic periodontitis – the only difference is that it progresses a lot faster. People with a family history of this disorder have a higher risk factor of developing the disease. People who smoke are also prone to this type of disease.
