There are many forms of periodontal disease. The most common ones include the following:

Gingivitis:

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at home oral care.

Aggressive Periodontal Disease:

A form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. This form of disease is usually seen in patients that are teenagers or in their early twenties but can sometimes be found in young children, especially if they have some form of genetic disorders.  This type of gum disease has a familial tendency; therefore, all children should be evaluated if one child, or a parent, has been diagnosed with aggressive periodontal disease.

Chronic Periodontal Disease:

A form of periodontal disease resulting in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss and characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is recognized as the most frequently occurring form of periodontal disease. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

Periodontal Disease as a Manifestation of Systemic Disease:

Periodontal, often with onset at a young age, associated with one of several systemic diseases, such as diabetes. For further information on systemic disease interactions please visit www.perio.org

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases:

An infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions including, but not limited to, HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.