Different Types of Gum Disease and Their Symptoms

Types of gum disease

In general, gum inflammation or infection is divided into two categories:

The first category in terms of types of gum-related diseases:

Gum disease caused by plaque and bacteria:

The effect of plaque on the gums can be due to poor oral hygiene, the impact of certain drugs or diseases, or malnutrition.

Non-plaque gum disease:

Some bacteria, fungi, or viruses can cause gum disease. These conditions are influenced by genetic factors, systemic medical problems (such as allergies and some diseases), wounds, or the body’s reaction to foreign substances (such as artificial teeth). Sometimes, there is no specific reason for it.

Blackening of the gums:

Changes in the color of the gums occur, which can be due to smoking, side effects of some drugs, or improper oral and dental hygiene. However, the main reason for the blackening of the gums is the accumulation of melanin, which must be treated as soon as possible.

Leukoplakia disease:

This type of disease causes whitening of the gums or white spots on the mouth and gums. They are usually harmless and resolve by themselves, but if these spots increase and do not resolve after a while, you must visit a dentist because it may lead to oral cancer.

Categorization by Severity

Gum disease can also be classified into two types based on severity:

Gingivitis (Gum Disease)

(mild type with reversible damage)

Periodontitis Disease

(an advanced type of gum disease with irreversible damage)

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Even if you do not feel uncomfortable, if you have the following symptoms, be sure to see a dentist immediately:

• A change in the contact of the teeth together or the lack of size of the denture
• Creating a gap between teeth and gums or a groove between them
• Bleeding gums after or during brushing
• loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Gum recession around the teeth
• Redness and swelling
• Gum sensitivity to touch or pressure

Causes of inflammation or gum disease

Most cases of gum disease occur due to improper oral hygiene. Bacteria live in the plaque accumulated on the teeth and cause gingivitis.

Other causes of gum disease:

• Hormonal changes in women
• Some diseases, such as cancer, AIDS, etc.
• diabetes
• Some drugs, especially drugs that reduce the flow of saliva. Phenytoin (Dilantin), an anticonvulsant drug, and some antianginal drugs can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
• smoking
• aging
• Improper diet (e.g., lack of vitamin C)

Gingivitis does not cause pain in most people. If you treat it in time, it will not cause lasting damage. In the early stages, gum disease can be treated only by regular brushing and flossing.

But if you don’t treat gum inflammation or infection early, it will progress and spread to the underlying structures, destroy the bone, and you may lose your tooth.

Treatment of All Types of Gum Disease

If gum disease is diagnosed early, its treatment is simple. Usually, gingivitis can be resolved by strictly following oral hygiene, mouthwash, and scaling teeth.

In cases where it is not referred on time, and the gum disease has progressed, it may be necessary to treat it with antibiotics, gum surgery, and sometimes gum transplant and tooth extraction.

What happens if we do not treat gum disease?

Timely treatment prevents other complications. If gum disease is not treated, it spreads and affects the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues.

Complications of untreated gum disease include:

• Abscess or gum infection
• Periodontitis (more advanced type of gum disease and jaw bone destruction)
• Trench mouth (a condition in which a bacterial infection leads to the formation of ulcers in the gums)

In addition to the complications that occur in the mouth, numerous studies have shown that gum disease is related to other diseases in the body, such as cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.

There are also reports of the impact of gum disease on lung disease. In addition, gum disease may cause serious risks for pregnancy.

Gum Disease Treatment Options at Beach Cities Dentistry

Gum disease treatment at Beach Cities Dentistry includes:

• Comprehensive gum evaluations
• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
• Antibiotics and medications when necessary
• Surgical options for advanced gum disease, such as gum surgery or grafts
• Ongoing maintenance and follow-up care

We understand that gum disease can be concerning, and our team will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. Dr. Tehrani is dedicated to providing effective, gentle, and personalized care to help restore and maintain your gum health.

The Impact of Brushing on Gum Inflammation and Swelling

We all know that we should brush our teeth to maintain oral health, but sometimes, due to obsession or to make up for past shortcomings, we pull the toothbrush firmly to the teeth to remove the plaque and debris attached to it.

You should know that the gums are made of delicate and sensitive tissue, and brushing incorrectly can damage it.

Sometimes, the problem differs from how you brush your teeth, but you have chosen a lousy toothbrush.

When choosing, you should be careful that the best type of toothbrush is a soft toothbrush, and you should not use a toothbrush with stiff bristles because it wears and destroys tooth enamel, causes inflammation and swelling, and ultimately causes gum recession.

When you brush, brush the gums gently in circular motions massage and clean. You can also sweep the toothbrush from the gums’ border to the teeth’ edge. However, the movement of the toothbrush should not go back and forth because it causes irritation and gum destruction.

The Role of Flossing on Gum Health

It would help if you flossed your teeth daily to remove all the plaque and particles stuck between the teeth or under the gums, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush. But flossing yourself would help if you were careful not to cause gum inflammation.

If you pull the floss tightly between the teeth and on the gums, the gums may become inflamed and swollen. Gently and carefully pull the floss down from one side, and after reaching the gum, pull it up from the other side (the edge of the adjacent tooth) to lift the particles.

Is Gum Disease Related to Various Types of Oral Sores?

Sometimes, the gum becomes very painful, and a pimple-like lesion is formed, called a sore. Canker sore is painful and can be anywhere in the mouth, including on the gums. Its center is white, and its circumference is red.

Researchers still do not know the exact cause of mouth sores, but some bacteria or viruses are believed to play a role. Those who have some autoimmune diseases are more prone to this gum problem. The plague heals over time and is not contagious.

Types of Gum Disease after Tooth Extraction and Implants

After tooth extraction, especially wisdom tooth extraction, the gums swell. The following measures are helpful to reduce gum swelling:

· Applying a cold compress to the affected area

· Avoiding strenuous activity in the days following the procedure

·  Keeping your head elevated while lying down

Does Inflammation or Gingivitis occur after Dental Implant Placement?

Yes, but the severity and extent of swelling varies in different people depending on the following factors:

• The body’s reaction to surgery
• The number of implanted implants
• Implant placement
• Implant placement method (flap surgery or by drilling)

Note that the swelling may include the jaws, cheek, eyes, and one side of the face after dental implant placement, so don’t worry.

Usually, the swelling reaches its peak within two or three days after implant placement and then decreases. It usually takes a few days for the inflammation to resolve completely.

What is the Effect of Women’s Hormonal Changes on the Gums?

• Some women experience gum problems during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. The hormone increase during puberty increases blood circulation to the gums and causes redness, swelling, and sensitivity.
• Women who suffer from gingivitis during their periods may also experience redness, swelling, or easy bleeding of the gums before each period. These problems usually subside with the onset of monthly bleeding.
• Inflammation and gum disease in pregnancy start in the second or third trimester and continue until the ninth month. You may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, and bleeding gums due to gum disease.
• Taking contraceptive pills in women has the same effect as the mentioned cases.
• Some women who enter menopause experience problems such as stiffness pain, pain, and bleeding gums. It should be noted that these gum problems do not happen to all women.

The Cause of Gingivitis after Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy has many unpleasant side effects, one of which is bleeding, swelling, and gum pain. Many people undergoing cancer treatment develop a condition called stomatitis, which causes painful sores on the gums and throughout the mouth.

The Effect of Smoking on Gum Health

Smoking strongly affects the health of the gums. People who smoke are more prone to gum infections.

Why Choose Beach Cities Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?

At Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach, CA, we are dedicated to providing top-quality care using the latest technology to treat gum disease and other dental concerns. Our expert team specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of gum diseases, from gingivitis to periodontitis.

We focus on helping you achieve and maintain optimal gum health through preventive care, effective treatments, and personalized service.

Our comprehensive approach ensures that every patient receives the best care suited to their needs. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding or swelling, or more advanced cases that require specialized treatment, our team is here to guide you through each step of your care plan.

Our goal is to keep your gums and teeth healthy so you can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.