Classification of Gingival Diseases

There has been much in the news lately about the relationship between gum disease and systemic health. Research has shown that gum disease can lead to increased levels of inflammation, poor diabetic control, and even certain types of cancer. However, did you know that there are many different types of gum disease? This article discusses the difference between a mild gum infection (gingivitis) and a more severe gum condition called periodontitis or periodontal disease.

Gingivitis has been traditionally defined as the presence of clinical signs of inflammation that are confined to the gingiva and associated with teeth showing no attachment loss. Gingival diseases are classified into two categories: dental plaque induced gingival diseases and non-plaque induced gingival lesions.

Dental plaque induced gingival diseases is the most common form of gingival disease. It has been concluded that plaque-induced gingivitis may occur on a periodontium with no attachment loss or on a periodontium with previous attachment loss that is stable and not progressing. Further classification of dental plaque induced gingival disease is present. Gingivitis associated with dental plaque only is the result of an interaction between the microorganisms found in the dental plaque biofilm and the tissues and inflammatory cells of the host.

Gingival diseases modified by systemic factors may be exacerbated by dental plaque. Gingival disease modified by medications have become more prevalent due to increased use of anticonvulsants, immunosuppressive drugs, calcium channel blockers, etc and show increased effect in the presence of dental plaque. Gingival diseases modified by malnutrition with plaque accumulation show increased effect in the condition known as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency).