Gingivitis and Periodontitis: What’s the Difference?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are two words thrown around pretty often, but do you know what each one actually means? Although both terms involve gum health, there’s a significant difference between the two diseases. One thing’s for sure – you absolutely do not want to hear either word come out of your dentist’s mouth at your next checkup. Read on as your dentist in Midland explains how different these stages of gum disease are.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is a chronic state of gum inflammation. It usually precedes periodontitis, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The biggest difference between the two is that gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not. Let’s take a closer look at each stage of gum disease.

Gingivitis

This state of gum inflammation occurs when plaque accumulates in the areas between the teeth. It causes the gums to become inflamed and easily bleed while brushing and flossing. During this early stage of periodontal disease, your gums will appear red, swollen, and tender. Although your gums may be irritated, your teeth will still be firmly anchored in place. Luckily, you can reverse gingivitis by practicing good oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.

Here are some factors that increase your risk of gingivitis:

• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Poor oral hygiene
• Hormone changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
• Unhealthy diet
• Chronic diseases like diabetes, HIV, or cancer

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance into periodontitis. This severe stage of gum disease causes the inner layer of the gum and bone to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where debris and bacteria can accumulate. If plaque spreads and grows below the gum line, it can lead to tooth and bone loss. As mentioned earlier, periodontitis cannot be reversed – only treated. It can result in poor tooth alignment, gum recession, and clear pockets between the teeth and gums.

How Can You Tell the Difference?

So, how can you tell whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Age – Although it’s rare for teenagers to have periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis.
• Pain – If you experience pain while chewing, it could indicate your gingivitis has turned into periodontitis.
• Tooth Condition – With gingivitis, your teeth should still be firmly in place. But if a tooth or teeth are loose, it’s more likely that you have periodontitis.
• Breath – If your gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, you might notice that you have bad breath because of the presence of excess bacteria in your mouth.

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, contact your dentist right away for a diagnosis. As you now know, early detection is crucial to prevent it from becoming an irreversible and more severe condition.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps has an impressive two full decades of experience in dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University. Dr. Philipps is passionate about helping her patients achieve healthier and happier smiles. If you think you might have gum disease, she and her team will take all steps necessary to diagnose and treat the condition properly. Visit our website or call (432) 570-4433 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Philipps.