Recognizing the Types of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease affects about 47.2% of the population of the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The level of periodontal disease varies throughout that percentage, however.

The highest percentage of cases would come from mild or moderate periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis. At these stages, periodontal disease treatment is significantly easier, but the longer the disease persists, the more difficult it is to cure.

For adults aged 65 and older, the percentage of affected people jumps to 70.1%, and many of them are at higher risk for severe forms of the illness.

Breaking Down the Severity of Periodontal Disease in Houston

Periodontal disease often starts out with gingivitis. This is the earliest form, but it may sometimes go unnoticed due to its relatively lax nature as a disease.

Sufferers may notice some puffy, swollen gums, or a little bit of blood after brushing, but it can often be treated with proper home dental care.

Sometimes, the disease has no symptoms at all until it reaches a more severe stage.

●     Aggressive Periodontitis
This form of periodontal disease hits quickly in patients who would typically be categorized as healthy.

The effects of it occur quickly, wearing down bone and tissue at a rapid pace.

●     Chronic Periodontitis
This is the most commonly found form of periodontal disease. It can affect people of all ages, but is more common in adults and seniors.

The gums progressively recede as bone and tissue degenerate and will often be inflamed due to a biological response to bacteria around the gum line. Pockets between the teeth and gum tissue form, providing a haven for bacteria to grow.

●     Periodontal Disease as a Symptom
Much less common, and usually starting early in life, this form of the disease is a symptom of a much larger problem, such as heart or respiratory disease and diabetes.

●     Necrotic Periodontal Disease
Often a result of an immune system disease such as HIV, this form of periodontal disease forms pockets of necrotic tissue inside the gums. As the gum tissue dies, the necrosis spreads to ligaments and bones.

Results of Periodontal Disease

When left untreated, periodontal disease can continually break down the tissue in the gums, causing teeth to become loose.

This may ultimately lead to teeth being lost.

If an infection is not treated, the bacteria can reach the bones of the jaw and infect them. This also leads to tooth loss, but the overall effect on general health can be much worse.

Periodontal Disease Treatment in Houston

A professional periodontist in Houston is trained to see the signs of periodontal disease and address them quickly.

It is critically important that patients see their local periodontist at the first signs of periodontal disease to receive effective treatment.

The later stages of the disease are much more aggressive and much harder to treat, especially if the disease reaches the jaw bones.

Bone infections especially require invasive surgery and occasionally bone or tissue grafts to heal. They can be very painful and slow healing. Catching periodontal disease as early as possible will provide the highest chances of success against the disease.