Gum Disease: Types of Gum Disease in Adults

Blood on the toothbrush after brushing is a signal many of us habitually ignore. And for good reason not to: gum disease ranges from mild inflammation to tooth loss, and it is useful to understand exactly what you are dealing with. Let us calmly break down the types of gum disease and how serious each one is.

What Types of Gum Disease Exist

Gum disease is not a single condition but a whole group. It ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissues and bone that support the tooth. In the worst cases, teeth can be lost. The main cause is the accumulation of dental plaque. If it is not removed through regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it irritates the gums and triggers inflammation.

Gingivitis: A Mild Form of Gum Inflammation

With gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen and bleed easily. This is a mild form of gum disease, and it can usually be reversed with daily toothbrushing, cleaning between the teeth, and regular professional hygiene care from a dentist or hygienist. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease.

Periodontitis and Other Gum Diseases in Adults

If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. Then the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. Without treatment, the bone, gums, and connective tissue that support the tooth are destroyed. Based on pocket depth and the degree of bone destruction, mild, moderate, and severe forms are distinguished, and based on extent, localized and generalized periodontitis. Symptoms of the early stages are sparse: bleeding, loose teeth, sometimes viscous saliva and plaque. During an exacerbation, there may be purulent discharge from the pockets, bad breath, tooth displacement, abscesses and fistulas on the gum, and enlargement and tenderness of the submandibular lymph nodes.

How Dental and Gum Diseases Are Connected

The connection is direct and starts with plaque. Dental plaque is the primary source of microorganisms, and it is also the cause of gum inflammation. Smoking, tartar, and poor oral hygiene worsen the course of the disease. There are also systemic causes: diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiencies, vitamin D deficiency, and diseases of the circulatory system. Studies show a link between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease and Alzheimer's disease.

How Gum Disease Is Diagnosed and When to See a Doctor

Diagnosis includes examination, probing of the depth of periodontal pockets, and radiography. In mild periodontitis, pockets are no more than 4 mm, in moderate — from 4 to 6 mm, in severe — deeper than 6 mm. You should see a dentist if your gums bleed when brushing or eating hard food, are painful and swollen, or if there is bad breath. An urgent appointment is needed for very painful and swollen gums, loose or falling-out teeth, ulcers and red spots in the mouth, or a lump in the mouth or on the lip.

• Bleeding gums when brushing or eating hard foods
• Swollen, red, and painful gums
• Bad breath and an unpleasant taste
• Gum recession and loose teeth

Gum disease by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if the condition is life-threatening, for example, if breathing or swallowing is difficult, or if swelling of the face and neck is rapidly increasing.

This material is for reference: it helps you understand what can happen but does not replace a doctor's consultation — the final diagnosis is made by a dentist after examination.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer