Gingivitis vs Periodontitis

Most people don’t realize it, but your mouth naturally contains bacteria. Proper oral hygiene habits can keep the bacteria in check. However, if ignored, bacteria can build up and create major oral health problems.

At the root of most of these oral health problems is gum disease, which affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. Research indicates that approximately half of the population is affected by gum disease, and this is one of the primary reasons that people visit the dentist. There are two different levels of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Certain populations have a higher risk of developing gum disease than others, including:

• Males, possibly due to hormones
• Those with less than a high school education
• Those living in poverty
• Those who smoke or use tobacco products, as these weaken your body’s ability to heal/fight infection

Since these are different forms of the same condition, the causes are similar:

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammatory response to plaque/tartar remaining on your teeth for too long. You are at a higher risk of developing gingivitis if you:

• Are pregnant or experiencing other hormonal changes
• Don’t take care of teeth
• Malocclusion
• Diabetes
• Family history of gum disease
• Use tobacco products
• Take certain medications including those that treat epilepsy or blood pressure, oral contraceptives, or cancer treatments, as these increase the occurrence of dry mouth, which is a contributing factor to gingivitis

Causes of Periodontitis

The primary cause of periodontitis is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria and plaque build up on tooth surfaces, which turns into tartar. When ignored, bacteria can travel beneath the gumline, eroding the gums and jawbone that support teeth, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss and other oral health issues.

Some of the other risk factors include:

• Tobacco use
• Conditions such as diabetes
• Genetics/family history
• Hormonal changes
• Inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and COVID-19

Since both gingivitis and periodontitis are different forms of the same condition, the signs and symptoms are similar.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Many times, the signs/symptoms of gingivitis are not obvious. You may have it and not know it. This is why regular dental visits are critical. However, as the condition advances, you may experience

• Bad breath
• Sensitive teeth (heat/cold, pressure)
• Red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Some of the common signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Red/purple, swollen gums that bleed easily
• Tenderness
• Dental abscess along gum line
• Bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth/tooth loss
• Pain while chewing
• Changes in the way teeth fit together/new spaces between teeth

Once your dentist has discovered that you are showing the signs/symptoms of gum disease, they will determine the extent of the problem. Then, they will create a treatment plan that will get your mouth back to proper health. The treatment options vary slightly based on the severity of your gum disease:

Treatment Options for Gingivitis

The primary goal of treatment for gingivitis is to reduce inflammation. The common treatment steps include:

Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene includes properly brushing and flossing your teeth. If you’re not sure how to properly brush and floss your teeth, your dentist or hygienist can help.

Professional Cleaning

You should be visiting the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. They have the tools to remove plaque and tartar from along your gumline.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

Your dentist will provide you with a prescription mouthwash, which contains chlorhexidine, which will reduce bacteria levels in your mouth.

Treatment Options for Periodontitis

Since periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease, additional treatment steps are required. The primary goal is still to reduce inflammation. Treatment for periodontitis includes:

Oral Hygiene

The first line of defense is always proper oral hygiene habits. When you properly brush, floss, and use mouthwash, you can slow the progression of periodontitis and avoid additional tooth loss.

Professional Cleaning

Once your condition has advanced into periodontitis, a standard cleaning will not be enough. You will require a deep cleaning, in which the dentist cleans tartar and plaque from the teeth and below the gumline. This will allow the gums to reattach to the teeth, which will prevent tooth loss.

Antibiotics

If your periodontitis is severe, you may need a topical or oral antibiotic as part of your treatment plan.

Open Surgery

In some cases, periodontitis is so advanced that gum surgery is necessary. The dentist will make an incision in the inflamed gums, which will allow access to the tooth roots so that the plaque and tartar can be cleaned off. Then, the incision will be closed so that the gums can reattach to the teeth.

The best way to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis is with proper oral hygiene habits. This includes:

• Brushing at least twice daily
• Flossing at least once daily
• Using an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash when you brush
• Visiting the dentist every 6 months- and in between if an issue arises

If you notice signs of gingivitis, it’s important to address the issue before it escalates into periodontitis.