Gum diseases, also known as periodontal diseases, are common in dental practice and affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. While poor oral hygiene significantly contributes to gum diseases, other factors, such as systemic health conditions, can also play a role.
In its early phases, gum disease is known as gingivitis, and symptoms include bleeding gums, swelling, and bad breath. This stage is reversible with timely intervention. However, if ignored, gingivitis can progress into more advanced types of gum disease that pose severe risks to oral health.
This article discusses five advanced types of gum disease, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. We also address a common question: Can gum disease be cured?
What is Periodontitis?
The most premature types of gum disease can progress into the advanced stage of periodontitis. Periodontitis affects the gums and extends beyond the gum line, involving the periodontal ligament, bone, and tooth cementum. In periodontitis, the gum pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets filled with bacteria and pus. This leads to severe damage to the bone and destruction of the periodontal ligament, resulting in tooth loss.
Advanced Types of Gum Diseases:
In advanced gum diseases, symptoms are more prominent, such as swollen gums, pain when chewing food, and pus oozing out. Patients often complain of sensitivity to cold, loosening of the teeth, and bad breath. However, each gum disease type exhibits its characteristic symptoms.
Here are the common advance types of gum diseases:
Chronic Periodontitis:
Chronic periodontitis is characterize by long-term gum inflammation and attachment loss caused by plaque and calculus. It is an infectious type of gum disease that results in attachment loss of the gums and bone loss. Severe gum bleeding is common in chronic periodontitis with increased tooth mobility or, in some cases, changing the tooth’s position. Gums keep on receding, making teeth appear longer than usual. The attachment loss of gum is irreversible and cannot be fix even if the inflammation subsides.
- Causes: Calculus deposits because of poor oral hygiene are the common cause of this disease. It can also result from systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Ehlers-Danos syndrome, or HIV.
- Treatment: It is treat by systematic periodontal therapy, controlling plaque and calculus deposits and surgically reducing the periodontal pocket.
Aggressive Periodontitis:
Unlike chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis occurs in younger individuals and progresses rapidly. Symptoms include severe attachment loss and bone damage in an otherwise healthy person.
- Causes: Genetic factors and poor oral hygiene.
- Treatment: Anti-infective therapy using systemic antibiotics is beneficial in aggressive periodontitis. Such patients must maintain excellent oral hygiene and visit the dentist after at least 3 months to monitor the progression of the disease. Aggressive periodontitis may necessitate surgical treatment, potentially including dental implant placement to restore lost teeth.
Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis:
Besides attachment loss, this gum disease shows necrosis and ulceration in the gum tissue between teeth. This condition is painful, with bright red, puffy gums that bleed easily. This advanced lesion leads to severe bone loss and tooth mobility, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Besides these symptoms, patients suffer from oral malodor, fever, and malaise.
- Causes: This condition usually affects individuals having weak immune responses because of immunocompromised diseases such as HIV/aids, malnutrition, psychological stress, and smoking.
- Treatment: Treatment usually requires management of the underlying disease that triggers the symptoms. A healthy diet, stress management, and good oral hygiene can alleviate symptoms.
Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases:
This type is linked to systemic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and genetic disorders. Symptoms are often a reflection of the underlying health issue.
- Causes: Systemic diseases and genetic predisposition.
- Treatment: Controlling the systemic condition and maintenance therapy.
Periodontal Abscess:
Also called a lateral or parietal periodontal abscess, it is a purulent inflammation of tissue adjacent to the periodontal pocket. It is typically seen in patients with untreated periodontitis having subgingival calculus deposits. Signs and symptoms of the periodontal abscess depend on the timeline of the disease. In acute infections, a deep throbbing pain is displayed when biting, with swollen gums oozing out pus. Chronic abscess, on the other hand, elevates the tooth from the socket with low-intensity pain.
- Causes: Untreated periodontitis or poorly controlled diabetes.
- Treatment: The treatment requires antibiotic therapy to drain the pus. Treatment must be follow by preventive periodontal maintenance.
Can Gum Disease be Cured?
Yes, gum diseases can be effectively manage with professional treatment, including periodontal therapies and medications. Advanced cases may require reconstructive surgeries like gum grafts to restore lost structures. Maintaining good oral hygiene is necessary–– to prevent recurrence.
Conclusion
Advanced gum diseases pose significant risks to oral health and overall well-being. Early detection and treatment are critical to reducing the chances of severe complications. When experiencing the symptoms mention above, you are advise to consult a dental professional promptly to receive appropriate gum disease treatment.
At Osseo Family Dental, our expert team is here to help you address all types of gum diseases, from mild to advanced stages. Our experienced Dentists in Osseo specialize in personalized care and preventative solutions.
Visit Osseo Family Dental or call us at (763)-425-2626 to schedule an appointment today. Our comprehensive dental services protect your smile and maintain your oral health.