Q: Are there different types of gum disease?
A: Yes. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, comes in different forms. The common types are the following:
Gingivitis is the mildest form. It makes the gums swell, bleed and turn red. It is generally reversible with professional care and good at-home hygiene.
Chronic periodontitis is the most frequently occurring type. It causes inflammation in the tissue that supports the teeth. Pockets of infection form and lead to bone loss and tooth detachment.
Aggressive periodontitis is a more severe form. It leads to rapid bone destruction and loss of tooth attachment. Disease-related periodontitis is a result of a systemic problem. This is gum disease that stems from another disease, like diabetes.
Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection that actually kills the gum tissue, ligaments and bone. These necrotizing lesions most commonly occur in, but are not limited to, people who have a systemic disease like HIV infection, or a systemic condition like malnutrition.
Among treatments for gum disease is periodontal surgery, which involves removal of unhealthy tissue around the teeth. Talk to your dentist about how to avoid periodontal disease.
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