Periodontal disease, or gum disease, as it is more commonly known, is a disease that comes about due to bacterial infection and, if not treated quickly, can cause permanent damage to your oral structures. The word periodontal translates to around the tooth. Since this disease occurs due to a degenerative bacterium that affects the gums, and the bone structure that supports them, it should be treated at its early stages.

This disease goes through a number of stages. When the disease becomes more severe, the treatment choices become more costly, complicated, and time-consuming. Therefore, it is vital that, when the early symptoms of this disease are detected, you visit your nearest Centerville dentist to have it checked.

The mildest and earliest form of this disease is gingivitis. This can be distinguished by the gums becoming swollen. The gums will generally bleed when you are flossing or brushing your teeth. This can be reversed easily with the help of proper periodontal treatment and good oral health care at home.

There are a number of stages of the advanced version of this disease, which is also called periodontitis.
Aggressive periodontitis This type of the disease can be seen in patients who, with the exception of gum disease, will have good oral health. The symptoms of this will generally include a fast expansion in the size of the gum pockets near the teeth, which can lead to the deterioration of the bone.

Chronic periodontitis This type of this disease should be taken care of immediately with proper periodontal treatment. This will result in inflammation in the teeths supporting tissue, which will lead to progressive plaque attachment, as well as a fast loss of bone. Chronic periodontitis is very commonly found in patients with periodontal disease, and though it is very common in adults, it could afflict people of any age. If it is not treated on time, it could result in you requiring you to undergo gum surgery.

Periodontitis from a systemic disease This is a type of this disease which is generally found in younger people and is normally associated with an existing disorder, an example being diabetes.

Necrotizing periodontal disease This type of this disease is the most dangerous one. The general characteristics of this include necrosis of the gingival tissues, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. This aggressive type of gum disease will generally result in gum surgery being the only option available to overcome this.