Periodontal disease comes in many different forms but it’s primarily lumped into two main categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease but all types of gum disease start with gingivitis. Periodontitis, on the other hand, comes in moderate to aggressive forms that require surgery and can lead to other serious health problems. 

According to the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology, periodontitis is broken down as follows:

• Chronic Periodontitis: inflammation occurs in the gum tissue triggering recession and bone loss resulting in periodontal pockets. This usually progresses over a long period of time.

• Aggressive Periodontitis: bone loss and tissue detachment is evident.  Usually can progress very rapidly.

• Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases: brought on by systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease.

• Necrotizing Periodontal Disease: Tooth roots are clearly exposed while bacteria continues to eat away at bone and soft tissue. Decay has taken over much of the area resulting in necrosis. This form of disease can be very painful.

• Abscesses of the Periodontium: infections that develop in the soft tissue.  Can result in considerable swelling of the gums and pus formation.

• Periodontitis Associated with Endodontic Lesions: lesions that occur in the middle or tip of the root that have now reached the surface of the gum tissue.

• Developmental or Acquired Deformities and Conditions: irregularities that predispose roots of teeth and healthy gum tissue to bacteria. 

You can learn more about how gum disease is treated. If you think you might have gum disease, check out the signs of periodontal disease for a better understanding.