Gum disease is the infection and irritation of the gums and the tissues around them. Poor oral hygiene practices that promote plaque accumulation are the main causes of gum diseases. Numerous risk factors contribute to the development and progression of gum disease, primarily affecting elderly adults. Gum disease comes in a variety of forms, including:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first or earliest stage of gum disease. Bacterial plaque builds up on the teeth’s surfaces if you don’t practice proper oral hygiene. This plaque’s bacterial activity will eventually lead to inflammation of the gum line and the surrounding tissues. Professional teeth cleaning and scaling are effective treatments for gingivitis.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis goes untreated for a long time, it results in periodontitis, a dangerous dental disease that devastates the gums and jaw bone and ultimately leads to tooth loss. Small pockets in the gums and teeth typically develop due to the bacteria spreading below the gum line. The connective tissues continue to get more damaged as these periodontal pockets deepen. Further periodontal pocket infections result in significant jawline deterioration and, finally, bone loss.
Aggressive Periodontitis
After several decades, aggressive periodontitis, a chronic oral disease, escalates to a severe and irreversible phase. During this stage, the periodontal tissues deteriorate at a rate of 0.20 to 0.25 each year. Aggressive periodontitis can have a variety of contributing factors, but the main one is a herpes virus and bacterial co-infection.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
This uncommon oral ailment results from bone, gum, or periodontal support tissue death. The main causes are severe stress, malnutrition, and immunodeficiency conditions. The disorder is controlled through better doctors’ and dentists’ collaboration and consultation.
