The Relationship Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis and periodontitis may sound like two different dental problems but are two closely linked stages of gum disease. Mild gingivitis can lead to periodontitis if left untreated, highlighting the importance of dental hygiene and checkups.
Understanding the subtle differences in symptoms, and the progression of gum disease can help you identify early warning signs and get treatment before the problem worsens.
Dr. Benjamin Crowley and Dr. Diane Iachini, the periodontal specialists at Brightwork Family Dentistry can help you assess your risk for gingivitis and periodontitis. Book an appointment with the top dentists in Richmond, Virginia for a dental consultation today.
Healthy gums
Color, firmness, and shape are some basic things to check when evaluating your gum health. Healthy gums are typically a pink hue, though exact tones vary from person to person. The important thing to track is that the color of your gums is not changing drastically.
In addition to color, make sure your gums are firm and snug around the teeth. Healthy gums are firm and look knife-edged or pyramidal in shape, following the natural curve of your tooth.
Diligent oral hygiene and regular check-ups with our top dentists will help you maintain healthy gums. Neglecting your teeth and gums will eventually lead to gingivitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild and fairly common gum problem that, if left untreated can develop into periodontitis. This problem emerges from bacterial growth on the teeth and impacts your gingiva, the part of the gums around the base of your teeth. With gingivitis, you’ll notice red, swollen, irritated gums and other symptoms like:
Bad breath
Receding gums
Tender gums
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Most people develop gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene. This allows plaque to form on your teeth, harden into tartar, and eventually irritate your gums. Some other risk factors for gingivitis include using tobacco products, older age, dry mouth, and poor nutrition.
Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed and treated if you catch it early enough. Our top dentists at Brightwork Family Dentistry specialize in professional teeth cleaning, which removes the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that threaten your gum health. We also offer tips and tricks to maintain your dental hygiene at home.
It can be tempting to ignore seemingly mild gum problems like gingivitis, especially if life circumstances or fear of the dentist keep you from scheduling your regular cleanings. If that is the case for you, we offer several options for patients experiencing anxiety about their dental visit. Regular checkups and cleanings are vital to preventing gingivitis from turning into a severe problem.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis advances, it enters the next stage of gum disease called periodontitis. If you have periodontitis, your gums become even more inflamed, irritated, and tender, on top of bleeding easily. Some other tell-tale signs that you have periodontitis include:
Pus between your gums and teeth
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
New spaces between your teeth
Severely receding gums
Changes to your bite
Periodontitis often leads to severe tooth decay and eventually tooth loss. In the worst cases, bacteria on your teeth can enter the bloodstream through your gum tissue. This can lead to serious problems in other parts of your body including respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and problems controlling blood sugar.
Treating periodontitis
If caught in the early mild stages, our top dentists can treat periodontitis with non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning procedures aimed at completely removing all traces of bacteria and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums. These procedures smooth the root surface and prevent future buildup.
Sometimes advanced periodontitis requires tooth removal. Fortunately, we have comprehensive tooth replacement options, including crowns, bridges, and dental implants to restore your smile.
If you’d like more information or are concerned about your gum health schedule a check-up with one of our dentists, contact our Richmond, Virginia office, or request an appointment online.