Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: What’s the Difference?
No matter what type of gum disease you’re dealing with, it’s never good news. That said, some types are worse than others. We believe it’s important for clients to understand the signs to watch for so they can make an appointment if they see them. generally speaking, there are two main types of gum disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis. Read on to learn how they differ and then call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment for a teeth cleaning and exam.
Everything you need to know about gingivitis
According to studies, about three out of every four Americans have gum disease of some type. Most of them have gingivitis. Essentially, this is the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. It can lead to symptoms like irritation, inflamed gums, and red gums. Many people have no idea they have gingivitis because the symptoms can be very mild. That said, it can escalate and become serious very quickly.
Gingivitis is almost always caused by poor oral hygiene. This is why it’s so important to brush and floss daily. Getting a twice-a-year dental exam is essential too. If you don’t, then you’ll end up with plaque, which is a combination of food particles, bacteria, and mucus. If it sits long enough, it turns into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist.
Other issues can increase the chances of getting gingivitis. For example, medications that cause dry mouth, tobacco use, changes to a person’s hormones, diabetes, and not eating well. If you think you may have gingivitis, then we welcome your call at (800) 407-0161 to set up an appointment.
Everything you need to know about periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more serious gum infection. It can destroy the bones that support your teeth and can cause serious damage to your soft tissues. The rend result can be tooth loss, and some studies show that it’s linked with a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
The good news is that periodontitis is actually fairly preventable. Once again, just like gingivitis, the top cause is poor oral hygiene. Visiting your dentist regularly and taking good care of your teeth between visits is the best way to prevent it.
The symptoms of periodontitis includes your gums pulling away from your teeth, loose teeth, swollen gums, bad breath, and pus between your gums and teeth. There are two types of periodontitis, chronic and aggressive. Chronic is the most common. If you see any symptoms, reach out to California Dental Group right away.
While the risk factors of both periodontitis and gingivitis are similar, the end results can be much worse for periodontitis. They include losing teeth, worsening diabetes, and getting asthma. Some research shows that the bacteria that causes periodontitis can get into you blood stream and affect your heart, lungs, etc.
Any type of gum disease requires professional help
As we said in the beginning of this blog, there’s no such thing as a good type of gum disease. If you have reason to believe that you have gum disease, then we urge you to reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to find out more about your options.
