Six Types of Gum Disease to Be Proactive About!

According to the Canadian Dental Association, seven out of 10 Canadians will develop some form of gum disease in their lifetime. In a developed country renowned for its great health policies, that is a very concerning statistic.

One of the reasons behind this is that in the early stage of gum disease, it progresses painlessly, with hardly any discomfort to the patient. By the time the symptoms become serious, the disease would have already progressed to the point where it can easily lead to tooth loss and other worrying health conditions.

That is why good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are vital. If left untreated, the symptoms of gum disease will get worse while the treatment options dwindle. Clearview Dental in Milton, Ontario, is on a mission to prevent that from happening.

You can take steps to safeguard your oral health today by visiting the Clearview Dental website and booking an appointment with one of the best dentists in Ontario.

What Is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease consists of a certain group of inflammatory conditions that occur on the teeth and surrounding tissue.

It usually presents as a swelling of the gums in its early stages until the patient develops bleeding gums, bad breath, and, eventually, loss of teeth.

Many dentists define periodontal disease as a specific infection that targets the tissues responsible for holding the teeth in place.

Common Causes of Gum Diseases

Gum disease is caused by a variety of things that need to happen at the same time. In a nutshell, a combination of a bad diet and poor brushing and flossing habits is one of the ways of causing an infection of your gums and teeth.

However, it is not uncommon for a person to eat well and follow a proper oral hygiene routine but still develop gum disease at some point. This may be due to its other underlying causes, such as:

  • Genetics
  • Smoking
  • Hormonal changes
  • Underlying health conditions
  • Certain medications

Six Types of Gum Disease to Be Aware Of

Six common types of periodontal disease are usually defined according to the progression of the infection on the teeth or surrounding gum tissue, and these are:

Gingivitis

Healthy gums usually have a certain colour and texture according to ethnicity, but when they become swollen and red, these might be signs of gum disease that is in its early stages. With gingivitis, you may also suffer from tenderness and bleeding while brushing or flossing.

Luckily, regular dental cleanings and making sure you brush your teeth are usually enough to bring gingivitis under control.

Periodontitis

If the earliest stage of gum disease goes untreated, it may lead to periodontitis. This is a form of advanced gum disease that results in the inflammation and infection of the surrounding gum line. The bones and periodontal ligaments that hold your teeth in place may also start to get affected and begin deterioration at this point.

Common symptoms of this form of periodontal disease include bad breath, development of spaces between gums and teeth, receding gums, and loose teeth. Further damage to the teeth and gums can only be avoided by quickly going to a dental surgeon who can address the issue.

Aggressive Periodontitis

With further gum recession and the spread of infection comes the next stage of gum disease called aggressive periodontitis. This is a serious form of gum disease that usually affects young individuals. It is characterized by the rapid loss of bone and gum tissue that leads to tooth loss if left unchecked.

Chronic Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis, the most common form of gum disease, progresses much slower than the aggressive form. Its symptoms include the further destruction of gum tissue and bone, usually leading to tooth loss in adults.

The best way to bring chronic periodontitis is to visit a dentist regularly so that the symptoms can be quickly treated as they occur.

Systemic Periodontal Disease

There is a special form of gum disease called systemic periodontitis. It is caused by an underlying systemic health condition, such as diabetes, respiratory issues, and heart disease. This condition can be a severe form of gum disease in some cases, and symptoms may include those of chronic and aggressive periodontal disease.

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease

A rare but extreme form of gum disease may be seen in individuals with a weakened immune system who are at a higher risk of periodontal disease and other health problems.

It is called necrotizing periodontal disease and can cause rapid tissue destruction, severe inflammation, pus formation, and the development of painful gum ulcers.

A dentist may advise immediate surgical intervention to prevent further tissue necrosis, but this may not be enough to slow down the progression of the condition due to the patient’s weak immune system.

Necrotizing periodontal is the worst form of gum disease. It is often diagnosed in individuals with HIV, malnutrition, or other form of immunosuppression.

Other Possible Gum Conditions

Teeth and gums may be affected by many other forms of gum conditions that are unrelated to gingivitis or necrosis. These conditions often have their own set of symptoms that a good dentist is always on the lookout for, and they are:

  • A gum abscess
  • Gum recession
  • Gum overgrowth
  • Gum lesions
  • Gum hypersensitivity

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

The most common way to get gum disease is by neglecting oral hygiene and not going to the dentist for timely treatment of gingivitis.

As such, being vigilant while brushing to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, going for a regular dental check-up, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and getting treatment for underlying health issues are some of the best ways to avoid gum disease.

Understanding Dental Emergencies: Identifying the Need for Immediate Care

Clearview Dental Can Help

Clearview Dental is a family practice that is dedicated to fighting against gum disease by providing affordable, top-notch dental services in Milton, Ontario and surrounding areas. No matter the type of gum disease you may be suffering from, help is available at Clearview Dental.

These family dentists are highly experienced and also offer a wide range of oral health and beauty services, such as:

If you notice any of the early signs of gum disease discussed above, do not hesitate to call Clearview Dental before an infection can spread below the gum line and cause serious complications.

Dentists in Milton CTA

Many of the above forms of gingivitis and periodontitis can be successfully treated if caught early on. You can enjoy a beautiful smile just by picking up the phone and booking an appointment at Clearview Dental today.

The post Six Types of Gum Disease to Be Proactive About! appeared first on Clearview Dental Milton.



from Clearview Dental Milton https://clearviewdentalmilton.ca/gum-disease/
via Clearview Dental

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