There are several types of gum disease but they can be classified into two main forms, or stages. ingivitis
In its mildest form, gum disease is known as gingivitis. In this stage there is some inflammation of the gums but no lasting damage to the bone and connective tissue.
Symptoms of gingivitis include non-painful swelling and redness of the gums and there can be bleeding when brushing or flossing.

Here the gum disease has advanced below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums causing chronic infection that eats away at the bone and connective tissue around the tooth. The plaque hardens, called tartar or calculus, which can irritate gum tissues and gives bacteria more surface area on which to grow. As a result, the gums starts to detach from the tooth, forming a pocket between the teeth and gums.

Genetics. Some people are predisposed to gum disease (studies estimate it at 50%) but if you treat your teeth and gums properly you can avoid getting it.
Smoking. A recent study shows that the bacteria most damaging to the gums reside in the mouth of a smoker.

Plaque. Plaque is the soft bacteria that coats teeth. If removed at least once every 24 hours you will go a long way to controlling this factor of gum disease.

Calculus. This is hardened plaque found below the gum line. It accumulates more plaque and causes loss of bone support around the tooth.

Accurate probing using a thin, gentle probe tells us the pocket depth of your gums. Pockets occur when gum disease spreads below the gum line, causing the gum to detach from the root surface and form pockets in which bacteria can multiply and cause further detachment.

Bone loss can also be caused by misaligned teeth, creating a situation where normal chewing doesn’t occur, causing loss of the needed stimulus to the bone.
Bone can be lost through infection that damages the bone.
A large tumor in the face may require removal of the tumor and some of the jaw.

Bone loss can be prevented by giving the jawbone a replacement tooth with a root that can exert the same or similar pressure as natural teeth. This is done immediately after extraction by replacing single teeth with dental implants, or by using a fixed implant-supported bridge or denture.

A single-tooth implant or a dental bridge with three to four teeth supported by two implants provide a chewing power of 99% of natural bite force. A denture secured with dental implants, such as our Same Day Teeth procedure, provides about 70% to 80% of normal biting force and helps considerably in preventing bone loss. Advanced Gum Treatment