What are the Differences Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

​Do you ever experience bleeding gums while brushing or flossing? Or maybe you have noticed your teeth becoming loose over time? 

Many people experience occasional gum inflammation. Typically, gum inflammation (gingivitis) does not create serious issues at first. 

However, it has the potential to migrate to other sections of the periodontium (the soft tissue and bone that anchors our teeth) and cause injury.

In this blog post, we will compare gingivitis and periodontitis, two types of gum disease that have different symptoms and treatments.

So grab a cup of tea and let's begin your path to healthy gums!

Introduction to Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is the beginning of gum disease. It's distinguished by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

Plaque, a sticky film of germs that builds on your teeth, causes gingivitis. Plaque can solidify into tartar, causing gum irritation and gingivitis.

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. It is distinguished by inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis can cause the gums to move away from the teeth, resulting in infected pockets.

If left untreated, periodontitis can damage the bones and connective tissue that support the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.

Symptoms of Each Type of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Red, Swollen, and Inflamed Gums.
• Bleeding Gums when Brushing or Flossing.
• Bad Breath.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. 

The symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Red, Swollen, and Inflamed Gums.
• Bleeding Gums when Brushing or Flossing.
• Receding Gums.
• Exposed Roots.
• Pus coming from the Gums.
• Loose Teeth.
• Difficulty Chewing.

What is the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common type of gum disease. It forms when bacteria from food combine to form sticky plaque on your teeth. 

The bacteria irritates and infects the gum tissue around your teeth's bases.

Gingivitis symptoms include:

• Gums bleed when you brush or floss.
• Gums that are tender.
• Gum swelling.
• Gums that are dark crimson in colour.
• Breath that stinks.

Gingivitis wreaks havoc on your gums and teeth over time. Gingivitis treatment can effectively control the infection and perhaps reverse some of the harm done to your dental health. 

However, if left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a far more serious infection.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the most severe kind of gum disease. It occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and the infection worsens. 

Periodontitis continues to harm your gum tissue and has the potential to extend to your jawbone.

Periodontitis exhibits the same symptoms as gingivitis, such as swelling, sore gums, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. 

As the condition advances, the following symptoms may appear:

• Chewing or biting pain.
• Increasing the distance between teeth.
• Gums receding.
• Teeth that are loose.
• Pus between the teeth and the gums.
• Bite variations.

Once gingivitis advances to periodontitis, the more severe damage is irreversible. Fortunately, treatment can halt disease progression and help you keep your teeth healthy.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis require a dental professional's expertise.

Here's a breakdown of the diagnosis and treatment processes for both conditions:

Diagnosis of Gingivitis:

If you have signs of gingivitis, you should visit a dentist for a checkup. Your dentist will look for the following things in your mouth:

• Bleeding.
• Infection symptoms include redness and swelling.
• Loose teeth.
• Gum recession is the separation of your gums from your teeth.

If your dentist detects gum disease, dental X-rays can reveal whether it has spread to your jawbone. 

Your dentist may potentially refer you to a periodontist (a specialist in gum disease).

Diagnosis of Periodontitis:

Your dentist may do the following tests to determine whether you have periodontitis and how severe it is:

• Examine your medical history for any variables that may be contributing to your symptoms. Smoking and certain medications that induce dry mouth are two examples.
• Examine your mouth for plaque and tartar accumulation, as well as simple bleeding.
• Place a tiny ruler called a dental probe between your teeth and gumline to determine the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth. 
• Periodontitis may be indicated by pockets deeper than 4 mm. Routine treatment cannot effectively clear pockets deeper than 5 mm.

• Check for bone loss in locations where your dentist observes deeper pockets with dental X-rays.

Treatment of Gingivitis:

1. Scaling and Root Planing: 

This process is comparable to regular dental cleaning, but it goes deeper beneath the gums. Tartar and bacteria are removed via scaling. Planing smoothes the surfaces of your dental roots and keeps microorganisms at bay.

2. Improved Oral Hygiene: 

Gingivitis is frequently cleared up with a proper tooth cleaning. However, after you return home, you must maintain the cleanliness. You'll learn how to properly clean your teeth and receive assistance with scheduling checkups.

3. Antimicrobial Mouthwash:

Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can aid in the destruction of disease-causing microorganisms.

4. Dental Work Repair:

Your dentist may repair or replace crowns, fillings, or bridges that protrude or do not fit properly. Smoother surfaces are less difficult to clean.

Treatment of Periodontitis:

1. Scaling. 

Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and underneath your gumline. Instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device may be used.

2. Planing the Roots. 

Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces. This helps to avoid the accumulation of tartar and germs. It also aids in the reattachment of your gums to your teeth.

3. Antibiotics. 

Bacterial infection can be controlled with topical or oral medicines. Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or inserting an antibiotic-containing gel into gum pockets. 

Oral medicines are sometimes required to eliminate microorganisms that cause illnesses.

For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.

Procedures like gum grafting or bone grafting may be necessary to restore lost tissue.​

Prevention Tips for Avoiding Gum Disease

As with most things in life, preventing gum disease is easier than treating it. Below are some tips for avoiding gum disease: 

1. Brush and floss your teeth every day 

This removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque leads to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

2. Regular Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleaning

See your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings and checkups. This helps remove tartar (hardened plaque) that can only be removed with professional cleaning.

3. Antibacterial Mouthwash

Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for periodontitis disease, the more advanced form of gum disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis as they can have very different causes and require different treatments. 

Taking care of your oral health by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups will help you catch any gum disease early on so that it can be treated promptly.

If you suspect that you may have either type of gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for advice.

Frequently Asking Questions

Which Is Worse Gingivitis Or Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is worse than gingivitis as it is a more advanced stage of gum disease that can cause irreversible damage to the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. 

Gingivitis, on the other hand, is an early stage of gum disease that can be reversed with proper oral care and professional treatment.

Can You Have Gingivitis And Periodontitis At The Same Time?

Yes, it is possible to have both gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time. 

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.

How To Tell the Difference Between Gingivitis And Periodontitis?

The main difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that gingivitis only affects the gums, while periodontitis affects the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. 

The symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, while the symptoms of periodontitis include gum recession, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Is gender a risk factor for periodontal disease?

Yes, gender is a risk factor for periodontal disease, with men being more susceptible to the disease than women. 

This is due to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, which can increase the risk of gum disease.

What is the common risk factor for periodontal disease?

The most common risk factor for periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene. 

Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, stress, certain medications, and genetics.

How To Diagnose Gingivitis And Periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are diagnosed through a dental examination, which may include X-rays, a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums, and other diagnostic tests. 

A dentist or periodontist can determine the severity of the disease and recommend appropriate treatment.

How to cure gingivitis in a week?

It's important to note that gingivitis cannot be cured in a week, but it can be reversed with proper oral care and professional treatment. 

The treatment for gingivitis usually involves a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums, followed by proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. 

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the infection. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent gingivitis from recurring.

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