Did you know that gum disease doesn't have just one type? In fact, the term gum disease is an encompassing word that houses the differing types of this oral disease. Some cases of periodontal disease prove less severe, while others require intensive treatment.
Here, Dr. Marco Cueva, your Allen periodontist, talks about the different types of gum disease, with his patients.
The Varying Degrees of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis. When gum disease is shown on advertisements, the stated symptoms actually describe gingivitis, which is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to swell slightly and bleed while brushing and flossing. Luckily, patients who have gingivitis can be treated quite easily with the help of your Allen periodontist. However, if left untreated, gingivitis advances to more severe cases of periodontal disease.
- Aggressive periodontitis. The next stage after gingivitis is called, aggressive periodontitis. This type of periodontal disease worsens rather quickly causing the gums and jaw bone to deteriorate. Typically, patients who have sound overall health otherwise, tend to develop aggressive periodontitis more often.
- Chronic periodontitis. Aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis have a number of similarities; yet, chronic periodontitis occurs at a much slower rate. With this form of periodontitis patients experience progressive bone loss and gum recession over periods of time. Both chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients, though, develop periodontal pockets, which house the bacteria and tartar that lead to gum disease in the first place.
- Periodontitis due to alternative diseases. Since periodontal disease has been linked to other bodily illnesses, such as, heart disease and diabetes, patients who already suffer from those ailments may develop gum disease. Most serious illnesses decrease the immune system's ability to ward off disease, especially oral ones. Patients who have other systemic diseases, should inform their dentists; this way, during dental exams, the doctor can check for gum disease more closely.
Learn More about Gum Disease at Periodontic Excellence
If you would like to learn more about gum disease, ask Dr. Cueva to explain how this oral disease affects your body. By having the proper knowledge, you can avoid periodontal disease before it has a chance to settle in. To schedule an appointment with your Allen periodontist, call us at (972) 390-9944. Also, visit us and read our patient information, to read more about the team. We look forward to treating patients from Allen, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, and the neighboring cities.
