Have you ever wondered why gum disease is such a threat to your oral health? Did you know that there are different types of gum disease? Periodontal disease can advance into a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment. Your Encinitas periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania explains.
Gingivitis
This common type of gum disease often produces very mild symptoms. Patients who have gingivitis may find blood on their toothbrush or notice that their gum tissue appears swollen. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, with improved oral hygiene methods and professional treatment, gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease.
Periodontitis
More serious than gingivitis, periodontitis poses serious risks to a patient’s oral health. There are different forms of periodontitis such as chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis. Once gum disease progresses to an advanced stage, the condition cannot be reversed.
Chronic periodontitis – The most common form of advanced gum disease is chronic periodontitis. Characteristics of chronic periodontitis include the formation of periodontal pockets between teeth and gums and gum line recession. The bacterial infection associated with chronic periodontitis progressively destroys teeth and bones by weakening the supporting structures of teeth over time. Although some children develop chronic periodontitis, this type of gum disease usually affects adults. (more…)