If you’re struggling with gum swelling and soreness, you might have come across two different terms in your search for the root of the problem: gingivitis and periodontitis. Both gingivitis and periodontitis can cause similar symptoms, but they are very different conditions that should be addressed with different levels of urgency. If you think you might have periodontitis or gingivitis, keep reading to learn about the differences between these conditions, and schedule an appointment with your McAllen dentist to get relief.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a mild stage of gum disease that affects countless people around the globe. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. The condition is triggered by the build-up of a sticky, clear substance called plaque. Plaque buildup and the acidity caused by sugary and starchy foods eat away at your enamel along the gum line, irritating the gums and causing gingivitis. Gingivitis is the leading cause of bleeding gums in adults, and causes gum tissue swelling, redness, and gum recession. Mild gum disease can be treated and prevented with proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing, avoiding sugar as much as possible, and visiting your McAllen dentists at least twice a year. Those with gingivitis might experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- • Gum swelling
- • Gum irritation
- • Tender gums
- • Gum redness
- • Bleeding around the base of the teeth
- • Bad breath
Gingivitis or early periodontitis is reversible and isn’t an urgent condition on its own, but if left untreated, it can develop into a more severe problem. If you think you might have gingivitis, you should see your McAllen dentist for treatment.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontitis or periodontal disease is a form of severe gum disease that can develop when gingivitis is left untreated. Periodontitis causes gums to swell and recede, forming a pocket between the vulnerable tooth and gums where bacteria can congregate. This condition can have serious impacts on your dental health, damaging the soft tissue around your teeth and potentially destroying the bone that supports them. With this in mind, periodontitis can lead to serious outcomes, including tooth loss. Some common symptoms of periodontitis include:
- • Loose teeth
- • Bad breath
- • Red or swollen gums
- • Gum inflammation or tenderness
- • Bleeding with brushing
- • Receding gums
- • Painful chewing
- • Pus between the teeth and gums
- • New spaces between teeth
- • Sores inside or around the mouth
For severe cases, periodontal disease may require treatments including scaling and root planing, gum grafting, bone grafting, and more. Periodontitis is an incredibly serious condition, and it’s essential that treatment is started immediately to prevent further damage. If you’ve experienced the symptoms listed above, see a dentist for care as soon as possible.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What’s the Difference?
In a nutshell, gingivitis and periodontitis are both classes of gum disease. Gingivitis is a form of early periodontal disease, while periodontitis is a more severe form. You might have already guessed, but the key difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is their differing levels of severity and their potential for treatment. While gingivitis is mild and can potentially be fully reversed, the damage caused by periodontitis is irreversible. That’s why it’s so important to see a dentist for gingivitis treatment before the condition develops into periodontitis or tooth loss. The treatments for both conditions involve different methods for cleaning the teeth and gums, as well as antibiotics in some cases.
How to Prevent Gum Disease: Good Oral Hygiene
If you’re at an early stage of gum disease, there are steps you can take yourself to try to treat the issue. In addition to seeking dental care from a capable dental professional, the symptoms of early gum disease can be partially resolved through a proper oral hygiene routine, including twice-daily brushing, daily flossing and mouthwash, and regular visits to the dentist for deep cleanings. If you’ve detected some of the early signs of gum disease, now is the time to take action. Brush up on your dental hygiene (pun intended) and come visit us at Heroes Dental for your periodontal treatment. We can talk about the risk factors behind advanced periodontitis and provide a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque buildup and reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Get Treatment for Gum Health at Heroes Dental in McAllen
While gingivitis might not be an immediate concern, it can develop into a real problem before you know it. If you think you might have gingivitis or periodontitis, you need to see a dentist to get a diagnosis and get treatment. Get relief from your gum pain and swelling with a visit to your McAllen dentists at Heroes Dental. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional care to all of our patients.