Periodontal disease is caused by the inflammation of the gums due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth and the gumline. It is also one of the leading causes of premature tooth loss. There are two types of periodontal diseases: gingivitis and periodontitis. The latter is the first stage of gum disease and is characterized by red and inflamed gums. On the other hand, periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease and involves the deeper structures around the tooth cavity. However, due to the similarities of the symptoms of both gingivitis and periodontitis, it is often hard to tell the each other part. But there are a few characteristics periodontitis has that gingivitis don’t. Here are some of the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis.
For starters, while both gingivitis and periodontitis are both characterized by swollen and occassionally bleeding gums, gingivitis only involves the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. Periodontitis, on the other hand, goes deeper beneath the gumline, affecting both the gum tissue and the bone cavity surrounding the tooth. That is why in the most advanced stages of periodontitis, the gums are receding which gives the tooth an elongated appearance. The gaps between the tooth and the gum tissue is also apparent in periodontitis. This causes the tooth to become loose in its socket and could eventually fall off if periodontitis is left untreated.
Another difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is the periodontitis treatment required to reverse the debilitating effects. Gingivitis can be reversed by maintaining proper oral hygiene practices followed by regular dental checkups and professional cleaning. Home remedies can also be administered to treat gingivitis. This includes salt water gargles, including cranberry juice in one’s diet, administering a mixture of salt and lemon juice on the affected areas and using antimicrobial toothpaste and mouthwash to fight off bacterial infection. On the other hand, periodontitis may involve a much intrusive treatment involving surgical operation to restore the gum tissue around the tooth. On most cases, the damages on the bone and gum tissues are irreversible.
Given the differences between the two periodontal diseases, the preventive measures to avoid them are the same. These includes maintaining proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing and gargling with mouthwash. Diet and lifestyle, too, can reduce the chances of getting periodontal disease. Eating food rich in Vitamins C and D can help boost immune system which helps fight off infection and sickness. You can also use food supplements to get the recommended dose of vitamins C and D. Stress, smoking and drinking must also be avoided or at least minimalized so as not to weaken the immune system. Regular visits to the dentist can also save you a few hundred bucks from a expensive periodontitis treatment as your dentist may be able to determine early tell-tale signs of periodontal disease and prescribe remedies to reverse the infection.