Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that can affect both the gums and the bones supporting the teeth, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. It can affect just one tooth or many and if left untreated can lead to the loss of the teeth. All gum disease begins when the normal bacteria in the mouth that coats the teeth with the sticky film known as plaque which attacks and inflames the gums. This can lead to a variety of gum diseases.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and affects only the gums, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Its symptoms are red, swollen gums that bleed easily but there is usually little pain at this stage. The disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene but it is usually reversible with good oral hygiene and a professional cleaning. Daily flossing and brushing can prevent and treat gingivitis. Nearly 75 percent of adults over age 35 have gingivitis, according to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
Chronic Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it progresses to periodontitis, which comes in many forms, though most often it's chronic periodontitis, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. This is a chronic bacterial infection that affects not just the gums but also the bones that support the teeth. Periodontitis causes bleeding gums but also causes the gums to loosen from the teeth, opening up spaces between the teeth and gums. These spaces are havens for bacteria to grow and attack the bone. This can cause the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. Chronic periodontitis is a slow-moving disease that affects between 10 and 15 percent of U.S. adults, according to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. It is not reversible because the damaged tissues can't be replaced. But it is treatable with procedures that deep clean the bacteria from the teeth and gums called scaling and root planing, antibiotics and sometimes surgery. Daily flossing and brushing can stop chronic periodontitis from getting worse.
Aggressive Periodontitis
Aggressive periodontitis has the same symptoms as chronic periodontitis but it moves much faster, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. It usually occurs in otherwise healthy adults though it seems to run in families and may have a genetic component. Smokers are also more likely to get aggressive periodontitis, according to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. It is treated the same way as chronic periodontitis but it is harder to treat and patients are more likely to require surgery.
Periodontitis Due to Systemic Disease
Sometimes periodontitis is a symptom of a serious disease or is made much worse by an unrelated medical disorder like heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, leukemia or a genetic disorder, according to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. This form of periodontitis usually begins at a young age and is often aggressive. Treatment begins by controlling the underlying medical condition first and then moving on to standard therapies for periodontitis.
Necrotizing Periodontitis
This is another, more serious version of periodontitis that is associated with serious illnesses like HIV infection or other illnesses that impair the immune system, according to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. This is an aggressive form of periodontitis that has distinct symptoms including loss of the tissue between the teeth, bleeding gums, pain, bad breath, a white film on the gums, fever and swollen glands. It is treated the same way as other forms of periodontitis though patients may also be given a special medicated mouth rinse or an antifungal agent.
