What is the Difference Between Periodontitis and Gingivitis?
Periodontitis and gingivitis are conditions that share many symptoms yet also have a number of key differences.
In this post, we look at what both are, how they differ and how to treat or reduce the likelihood of being affected.
To answer how they are different, we must first look at how they are similar.
Periodontitis and Gingivitis: Similarities
Periodontitis and gingivitis are both conditions relating to the gums.
They are both the result of a build-up of bacteria and this build-up is a result of sub-optimal oral hygiene. We say sub-optimal rather than poor because the conditions are so common, in fact, most Panamanians adults have gum problems to some extent. It is hard to prevent the build-up of bacteria over time even with best efforts to brush twice a day, floss and rinse with mouthwash.
While few children or young adults suffer from either gingivitis or periodontitis, many adults over the age of 40 do present with symptoms. For both conditions, it is true to say that the older you are, the more likely you are to have either one condition or the other (if not both).
The fact that both are so common – and we will come to whether they are equally common – can lead to a false sense of security.
If most Panamanians adults have some degree of gum complaint, and gingivitis and periodontitis are gum complaints, then they can’t be that bad, can they? Sadly, safety in numbers might provide a little reassurance but it doesn’t actually help fight the by-products of the conditions.
Before you come to our Periodontal Services in Panama we will explain the main differences between gingivitis and periodontitis
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is mild gum disease. It typically causes minor issues, which might come and go. When treated early, the condition is reversible.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of gingivitis include:
red, swollen gums
gums that bleed when you floss or brush your teeth
gums that randomly bleed
Often, gingivitis causes no pain or other symptoms.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to minimize inflammation. Treatment includes:
Oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing and flossing — and using the right techniques when doing so. A dentist can show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.
Professional dental cleaning. A dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline.
Antiseptic mouthwash. This prescription mouthwash contains chlorhexidine, which reduces bacteria in your mouth.
What is periodontitis?
Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, or severe gum disease. Periodontitis is inflammation of the periodontium, which is the gum tissue and bone that keep your teeth in place. As the condition progresses, it can cause teeth to loosen.
Symptoms
Periodontitis happens in stages. The later the stage, the more severe the symptoms.
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
red, swollen gums
bleeding gums
sensitive teeth
sore gums
bad breath
loose teeth
teeth that change positions
pain during chewing
gums that recede (pull away) from the teeth
When the gums pull away from a tooth, they form spaces called gum pockets. These spaces can become infected.
Treatment
Because periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease, it requires additional treatment. Again, the goal is to reduce inflammation.
Treatment includes:
Oral hygiene. Maintaining oral hygiene can slow down periodontitis and prevent additional tooth loss.
Professional dental cleaning. When you visit us for Periodontal Services in Panama, our dentist will perform a deep cleaning. They’ll remove tartar and plaque from teeth and below the gumline, which can help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Antibiotics. In severe cases, your dentist might prescribe oral antibiotics or apply a topical antibiotic.
Open surgery. During this procedure, your dentist cuts open the inflamed gums and cleans the root of the tooth. Next, they stitch the gum tissue together so it can reattach to the teeth.
How Gingivitis Progresses to Periodontitis
Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease, and if not properly treated, it can evolve into a much more severe condition known as periodontitis. Here’s a breakdown of how this progression occurs:
1. Plaque Buildup
Gingivitis starts with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums due to poor oral hygiene. If plaque isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it begins to irritate the gums, causing inflammation.
2. Gum Inflammation (Gingivitis)
In the gingivitis stage, the gums become inflamed, red, and may bleed when brushing or flossing. Although gingivitis can be uncomfortable, it is still reversible at this point with proper oral care and professional dental cleanings.
3. Tartar Formation
If plaque isn’t removed in time, it hardens into tartar (also known as calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist through professional cleaning. Tartar continues to irritate the gums, worsening inflammation and allowing bacteria to proliferate.
4. Destruction of Supporting Tissues
As bacteria continue to multiply and tartar accumulates, the body respon
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have further questions, contact us and request our Periodontal Services in Panama
