Our gums are as important as our teeth. Proper dental care is also needed for a healthy gum. Unhealthy gums are even more dangerous to our overall health. Other serious conditions which may be caused or made worse by poor gum health includes;
- Heart Disease
- Strokes
- Diabetes
- Giving birth to a premature or low-birth-weight baby
- Respiratory (lung) disease
You may think that gum disease or periodontal disease is just a minor oral issue, but if it is left untreated, you may be prone to more serious diseases.
Various Types of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
There are various types of gum disease depending on the severity of the condition. Gingivitis or gum inflammation occurs in early stage. It is the mildest and most common form of periodontitis. In this stage, the bacteria build up causes the inflammation of the gums.
Factors that may provoke gingivitis include;
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Aging
- Stress
- Inadequate nutrition
- HIV infection
- Pregnancy
- Certain medication use
Having gingivitis can mean other chronic diseases thus it is better to get a check up if you experience this.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is untreated, it will eventually lead to periodontitis. This condition can lead to tooth loss. There are various types of periodontitis.
Chronic Periodontal Disease
Characterized by inflammation below the gum line and progressive destruction of the gingival and bone tissue. At a glance, the teeth may appear to be growing in length but the gums are actually recessing. Pocket formation can also be observed. This is more common to people over 45.
Aggressive Periodontal Disease
Essentially the same with chronic periodontitis except to the fact that the its progression is so much faster. It is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment, bone destruction, and familial aggregation. There is an increased risk of developing this disease for those who are smokers and families with history of this disease.
Necrotizing periodontal disease
This type of gum disease is characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. These lesions are more prevalent among individuals diagnosed with HIV infection, malnutrition, and immunisuppression, chronic stress, and smokers.
Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases
More often, our oral condition is a manifestation of our overall health condition. Periodontal disease, for example, can be sign of a more serious disease such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. Gum disease could intensify or accelerate these conditions.
Whatever type of gum disease you have, you should visit your dentist to treat it as early as possible. Call Dr. Hakan Kinaci of Pembroke Pines Dental Associates at 954-266-0345. We offer services in areas near Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Davie, and Miramar in Florida.
Sources:
Types of Gum Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.perio.org/consumer/types-gum-disease.html