Seeing a little bit of blood during brushing is normal. However, if you notice it regularly, it may indicate gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two sides of the same coin – the coin we call gum disease. This article will discuss periodontitis vs. gingivitis, their causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment plans. So, if you suspect having either of them, keep reading.
What is Gingivitis?
The term gingivitis comprises ‘gingiva’ meaning gums, and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation, which simply means inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is a scientific term for the early, reversible stage of gum disease. At this stage, the symptoms are minor and barely noticeable. However, if ignored, this inflammation can spread to surrounding tissues, giving rise to periodontitis.
What is Periodontitis?
In the oral cavity, our teeth are supported by several structures surrounding them, such as the cementum, gingiva (gums), periodontal ligaments, and the alveolar bone. These structures collectively are called periodontium.
The term periodontitis means inflammation of the periodontium. It is the more severe, irreversible form of gum disease. If the gingivitis is not resolved promptly, the inflammation can spread further, causing periodontitis. In this stage, the symptoms are more severe and can even result in tooth loss.
Periodontitis Vs. Gingivitis: A Comparision
Let’s compare periodontitis vs. gingivitis to get a better understanding of both.
Causes:
It all starts when you neglect your oral hygiene. Your mouth naturally contains bacteria. These bacteria are harmless until you provide them fuel by not brushing or flossing. The mouth’s bacteria feed upon leftover food and deposit a thin layer of a yellowish substance called plaque over your teeth. If not cleaned properly, plaque deposition continues and hardens to form tartar. At this stage, the gums appear red and swollen, causing gingivitis.
If tartar is not removed, it spreads to the bone and connective tissue, compromising its integrity. With time, gum disease progresses, and the pockets between teeth and gums deepen. Hence, the tooth begins separating from the bone and becomes loose in its socket, causing periodontitis.
Some conditions increase the risk of periodontitis and gingivitis. They are,
- Smoking
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV.
- Hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation.
- Certain medications.
- Low vitamin C.
- High sugar diet.
Symptoms
The difference between periodontitis vs. gingivitis is evident when looking at their symptoms. The initial symptoms of gingivitis are red, bleeding, and swollen gums. The gums may bleed spontaneously or when you brush or floss.
The difference between normal gums vs. gingivitis is very minor. These symptoms are so slight that many people don’t even know they have gum disease at this stage. In some instances, people with persistent bad breath are found to have gingivitis.
On the other hand, periodontitis presents more severe symptoms. Based on the severity of symptoms, periodontitis can be mild, moderate, or severe. Along with bleeding and swelling, patients with periodontitis start experiencing pain and sensitivity.
This pain can be spontaneous or associated with brushing, flossing, or chewing. With time, the periodontal ligaments lose their grip on the teeth. Gums start receding, and the crown of the teeth appears longer. In severe cases, teeth may become mobile and fall out.
Treatment
Both treatment plans for gingivitis vs. periodontitis start with maintaining oral hygiene. When suffering from gingivitis, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily with an appropriate brushing technique. Brushing should be followed by flossing daily using dental floss or interdental brushes. If plaque or tartar buildup is visible, it should be cleaned professionally. At last, your dentist will prescribe you a chlorhexidine mouthwash to regulate a healthy oral environment.
The treatment plan for periodontitis varies according to its severity. After oral hygiene instruction, your dentist will carry out the following procedures.
Scaling and Polishing:
Scaling is a procedure in which the calculus on your teeth is removed using manual or ultrasonic scalers. It helps clean the tooth surface and gumline. Scaling is followed by polishing, which returns the shine to the teeth.
Root Planning:
Root planning is a part of scaling, but it focuses on smoothening the root surface. It removes tartar and bacterial debris lodged in the pocket between the tooth and gums and reshapes the root surface.
Flap Surgery:
Flap surgery is a procedure to remove deep-seated plaque and increase the amount of attached gingiva. In this procedure, your dentist cuts the soft tissue, raising a flap to visualize the underlying condition. The decayed part of the gum is removed, and the flap is closed using sutures.
Bone or Tissue Grafts:
In cases where gums or bones have receded, the roots of the teeth are exposed, and grafting is done. In this procedure, tissue grafts from other areas of the oral cavity are taken and placed over the area of receded gums. In case of bone recession, a bone graft or a biocompatible material is placed over receded bone to achieve the lost anatomy.
Guided Tissue Regeneration:
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a procedure in which an artificial membrane is placed between the gums and the bone to prevent the growth of fast-growing gums in the gap. It allows the slow-growing bone to regrow and achieve its normal shape.
Prevention
Regular dental care can easily prevent gingivitis vs. periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing remove plaque daily and prevent the formation of calculus. Using chlorhexidine mouthwash has also proved beneficial in maintaining oral health. Do not indulge in harmful habits such as smoking, tobacco consumption, and alcohol intake. Reducing stress and eating a balanced diet leads to a healthy smile.
Conclusion
Our teeth are a depletable asset. Once lost, they cannot be retrieved, no matter which restorative option you choose. Understanding the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis helps us treat them promptly.
If you are facing symptoms of gum disease or looking for a solution for periodontitis vs. gingivitis, contact our gum disease experts in Blairstown, NJ. Our dentists in Newton, NJ, will conduct a detailed examination and devise a treatment plan tailored to your needs. So contact us now and take your first step towards a brighter smile.
