Periodontics

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Aug 3 • 2 minute read

Gingivitis—a word most of us know from common television commercials that bodes ill for any mouth. While it may sound alarming, gingivitis is actually a treatable and minor form of gum disease. On its own, there is little to fear with proper dental care. If left untreated, however, gingivitis can lead to more serious dental complications such as periodontitis.

Skip those fear-driven commercials and learn the straightforward facts about both gingivitis and periodontitis. Keep reading to explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for each of these dental concerns.

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria in the mouth that leads to plaque. Gum disease can range in severity from almost unnoticeable inflammation or minor irritation to severe disease that may ultimately cause tooth loss.

Fortunately, gum disease is preventable with the support of good dental hygiene and treating any signs of disease as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a form of mild gum disease that most people notice when brushing. Gum inflammation with gingivitis may include noticeable bleeding of the gums after brushing or flossing. In some cases, you may see swelling in the gums when looking in a mirror or occasional bleeding without an apparent cause.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to pockets in the gums that may further breed infection and cause inflammatory responses in the body. This untreated infection can lead to periodontitis.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease where the inflammation has moved to the periodontium, the area of gum tissue and bone that helps keep your teeth in place. Symptoms include the signs of gingivitis plus things like bad breath, loose teeth, receding gums, and sensitivity while eating. Severe cases of periodontitis may eventually lead to tooth loss.

Treatment for Gingivitis

Fortunately, gingivitis is typically easy to treat. Improved brushing habits combined with regular professional dental cleanings are often enough to reverse gingivitis and restore gum health. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a medicated mouthwash such as chlorhexidine.

Treatment for Periodontitis

Treatment for periodontitis includes all of the basic treatments for gingivitis, including both home hygiene and professional dental cleanings. In addition to a medicated mouthwash, periodontal patients may also be prescribed antibiotics to help treat infections and inflammation. Periodontal treatment may also include more frequent cleanings and a deep cleaning by a dental specialist.

Wrapping Up

Gum disease does not have to be a diagnosis that triggers fear. Dental professionals have many modern-day treatments to help halt and reverse the course of both gingivitis and periodontitis. Proper dental care will not only promote your overall health but alleviate the discomfort caused by gum disease.

Talk to your dentist about treating and preventing gum disease today.

The post Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis first appeared on Dental Signal.

Recent Articles

Dispelling the Myths of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy (RCT) often conjures up images of excruciating pain and anxiety for many people. ...

Should You Get Veneers, Bonding, or Crowns?

When it comes to enhancing your smile, modern dentistry offers a range of options to address imperfe ...

5 Tips for Seniors to Protect Their Oral Health

As you age, maintaining good oral health becomes increasingly important. Poor oral hygiene can lead ...

Connect With Us

Ready to come in for an appointment?
Contact us today!

Wallingford Station Family Dental
Drs. Howarth Sr., & Howarth Jr.
Creating Beautiful Smiles
Wallingford Dentist, Dr. Stephen Howarth is a dental professional dedicated to General, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry such as Dental Exams, Cleanings, X-rays, Fluoride, Dental Makeovers, Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Crowns, & more. Please come and visit Wallingford, PA dentist Stephen Howarth, DDS.

The information and advice contained in or made available through the Wallingford Family Dental website is not intended to replace the services of a trained health professional or be a substitute for the advice of a dentist. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The user should consult a dentist in all matters relating to his or her oral health and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or treatment. Wallingford Family dental makes no representations or warrantees with respect to any information provided within or through the website. We assume no responsibility for content contained in hyperlinks provided in this site. Wallingford Family dental will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages arising therefrom.