What Are the Different Types of Periodontal Disease?
Recently, the National Institute of Health defined periodontal disease as infection and inflammation that destroys gum tissues and the structures that support one’s teeth, such as the alveolar bone, which acts as a tooth socket and periodontal ligaments. Although both versions of the disease are a common occurrence in the U.S, effective care and proper treatment have proved sufficient in addressing the issue.
Gingivitis
According to the Mayo Clinic, gingivitis occurs during the early stages of gum illness and can be characterized by irritated and red gums. When gingivitis is not treated, it progresses and graduates to serious periodontitis. People at high risk of developing this gum condition include smokers, pregnant women, older adults, substance abusers, persons with weak immune systems, and those who practice poor oral hygiene. Poor nutrition and failure to seek professional dental services often are also contributing factors.
Research has shown that gingivitis’s primary cause is the failure to maintain a healthy oral practice, thus allowing plaque to buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, invisible substance that forms when an interaction between starches and sugars in food with bacteria found in the mouth occurs. Due to how fast it develops, dentists in North Houston emphasize on regular teeth brushing and flossing.
Other causes listed by the NIH include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Misaligned teeth
- Certain medications and birth control drugs
- Unclean or ill-fitting of mouth appliances
- Rough-edged fillings
- Some systemic infections and diseases like HIV infection and thyroid disorders
Symptoms
Gums in good health are usually firm and pale-pink in color. Since gingivitis is not painful, it becomes hard for most people to realize that they have it. To be one step ahead, here is a list of its symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Mouth sores
- Swollen or tender gums
- Shiny, dusky red, purple-red, or bright-red gums
Treatment
Professional cleaning is effective when it comes to treating gingivitis. However, if the patient does not keep up with proper oral practices while at home and fails to go for professional teeth cleaning after six months, the condition can easily come back.
During the cleaning exercise at the dental office, your dental hygienist or dentist will carry out a procedure known as scaling to eliminate all tartar and plaque present. If a patient has severe gingivitis with deep calculus, he/she will need about four deep-cleaning sessions consisting of root planning and scaling.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is caused by gingivitis progression when it goes untreated. The disease can result in gums, tissue, teeth, and mouth bones destruction. NIH has ranked it as the leading cause of teeth loss in most adults.
When the spread of plaque is extensive, its toxins cause the breakdown of the bone and tissues providing support to your dental. Dental experts like Dr. Lynn Alan Palmer DDS, a dentist who offers general dentistry services and gum disease treatment in Houston, Texas, have warned that periodontitis raises the chances of suffering from stroke or heart attack.
The disease exists in various types hence the reason why there are different types of periodontal treatment. Its types include:
- Chronic periodontitis – is the commonest form and is identified by evidence of gum recession and pocket formation. Adults are the most affected.
- Aggressive periodontitis – Causes rapid bone destruction and gum loss.
- Necrotizing periodontal illness – This one mostly affects persons with systemic illnesses, causing lesions resulting from the death of periodontal ligaments, alveolar bones, and gum tissue.
Symptoms
The following are changes you are likely to notice if you have periodontitis:
- Loose teeth
- Swollen gums
- Pus around your gums and teeth
- Tender gums
- Bad taste and breath in the mouth
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Receding gums
Treatment and Prevention
There are surgical and non-surgical treatments available for periodontitis. The severity of your case will determine the one that’s best for you. Use of antibiotics, root planning and scaling are examples of non-surgical treatments. Surgical treatment will include bone grafting, tissue regeneration, flap surgery, and soft-tissue grafting.
The most effective way of preventing gum disease is by establishing ideal oral practices such as brushing teeth after every meal. People who frequently smoke or take drugs to manage their blood pressure are advised to be precautious as they are more vulnerable.
Schedule an Appointment
Still confused with the procedure and want to learn more? Feel free to call us right now to schedule an appointment with our dentist near you. We also cater to patients residing in Walnut Bend, Bunker Hill Village, West Oaks, Ginger Oak Street, Remlap Street, Spring Branch Central, Lazy Oaks Street, Timber Oaks, Wickway, and surrounding locations.