This depends on if you consider gingivitis to be gum disease or a precursor. You can break gum disease into different types depending on how it has progressed.
Gingivitis — This is early gum disease. Basically, it simply means that plaque is beginning to irritate the gums, making them red and prone to bleeding.
Chronic periodontitis — Gums have pulled away from the teeth and formed pockets where bacteria are accumulating. Periodontitis always starts with gingivitis. Now the bacteria will begin attacking the bone and tissues attaching the teeth to the jawbone.
Periodontal abscess —This happens when a pocket forms and becomes infected to the degree that an abscess forms. This will lead to the quick destruction of the attaching tissues of the teeth in the area.
Perio-endo lesion —This occurs when the infection begins in the tooth root. When decay enters a tooth, if not removed, it can eventually impact the pulp and the nerves and blood vessels within the pulp. This infection moves from the tooth into the surrounding gums.
Gingival recession — This isn’t always due to plaque buildup. Overly aggressive tooth brushing can also cause this recession. The gums recede, exposing the tooth root that is normally covered by the gums.