Are your gums inflamed, red and swollen? Have you noticed bleeding when brushing or flossing? It’s important to be aware of how the health of your gums affects the health of your entire body. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two common gum diseases that may have an impact on overall wellness, yet they require different treatment plans. In this blog post, we’ll look at the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis so you can better understand which one may be affecting your oral health.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the gums, also known as gum disease, that affects many people of all ages. Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, which irritates and inflames the gums.
- Common symptoms include redness and bleeding gums that are tender to the touch, frequent bad breath, and receding gums. Gingivitis can be prevented by brushing teeth after every meal and regularly flossing to remove hard-to-reach food particles.
- If Gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay, loss of teeth, and even gum infections. To diagnose Gingivitis, your dentist will perform a physical exam of the mouth and take blood tests for bacteria in the mouth as well as measure the salivary flow rate.
- Treatments typically consist of professional cleaning followed by regular brushing and flossing guided by a dental hygienist. With proper treatments, Gingivitis can often be reversed before any permanent damage occurs.
What is Periodontitis?
- Periodontitis is a disease that affects the soft tissue and the bones surrounding your teeth. This can result in pain, inflammation, receding gums, and ultimately tooth loss if it isn’t treated. Periodontitis is caused by bacteria from dental plaque that accumulate over time.
- While this gum disease can happen to anyone, typically those who do not practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing regularly and flossing every day, are more at risk.
- If you think you have Periodontitis it is important to visit your dentist right away to avoid further damage or even tooth loss. Early detection and treatment of Periodontitis can be the key to the successful management of this condition.
Difference between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two distinct forms of gum diseases, but both can have a significant impact on oral health.
- Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gingival tissue which may be caused by plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene.
- It generally presents with redness and swelling of the gums, but the condition can usually be reversed with proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antimicrobial solution.
- Periodontitis, however, is more severe and difficult to treat as it involves an infection of the tissues that connect the teeth to the jawbone.
- Symptoms such as chronic bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and bleeding while brushing or flossing occur due to an accumulation of bacteria from plaque and tartar.
Treatment for this advanced form of gum disease typically involves professional cleanings deeper than a regular dental cleaning as well as antibiotics or other medications prescribed by a dentist.
Conclusion
Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. If Gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to Periodontitis. Periodontitis damages the gums and bone that support your teeth. activities such as brushing and flossing can help prevent or control Gingivitis and Plaque build-up It’s important to visit you dentist regularly so that he/she can detect any problems at an early stage.
