Periodontal disease is not an infection or a virus but an inflammatory response to irritants in your mouth. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection of the gums that has spread through your body. The problem with distinguishing between these two causes is that when you have periodontal disease, you will often experience bleeding, redness, swelling, and pain in the gums. This inflammation can cause your gums to pull away from the tooth surface and eventually become loose enough for the tooth to fall out. And that makes it essential to consult a Fort Myers, FL dentist as soon as you suspect periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases are of different types. They vary in both symptoms and severity. You can prevent periodontal disease by taking good care of your gums. This may mean that you need to change the way you brush your teeth or the type of toothpaste you use. It also means avoiding certain foods and beverages. The best way to treat periodontal diseases is by cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue every day, and using a soft brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. 

The following are the different types of periodontal disease:

• Chronic periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is the most common type of periodontal disease. It is an inflammation of the tissues that surround your teeth. As a result, the tissues surrounding your teeth stay in a shortened position and wear away. Chronic periodontitis can also cause pain, loss of bone density, or difficulty in breathing.

• Aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis is an inflammatory response that attacks your periodontium. The tissue surrounding your teeth is not normally attacked by these diseases, and the problem is more likely to affect those people who are more prone to periodontitis. The disease can lead to loose gums and the loss of some of your teeth.

• Necrotizing periodontitis

Necrotizing periodontitis is a severe form of periodontal disease that has spread or infected the rest of your body. You may experience pain and swelling in the gums and mouth. This infection can also cause bleeding of your gums and loss of bone density around the jawbone.

• Periodontitis caused by systemic disease 

This type of periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection in your blood. It can cause serious damage to your gums and teeth. If you suffer from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other systemic conditions, the risk of developing this disease is greater than the other types.