Healthy oral habits can prevent issues that may lead to infections such as gum disease. This problem, also known as gingivitis, can be common in both children and adults; however, if it is left untreated, it may worsen and cause serious discomfort or cause secondary infections within the body. Oral treatments such as scaling and…
Are Gum Disease and Gingivitis the Same Thing?
There are different stages of gum disease, with each stage being based on the severity of the infection. Because there are different stages of gum disease, it can be difficult to differentiate between each one. When trying to determine what stage the infection is at, it is best to begin with a visit with a general dentist.
Gum disease vs. gingivitis
Outlined below are overviews of gum disease and gingivitis. While the two do tend to overlap, there are a few key differences that are important to be aware of.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a serious infection in the gums that causes damage to the soft tissues. If gum disease goes untreated, patients may also experience damage to their teeth, such as tooth decay. Typically, the cause of gum disease is genetics, lack of oral hygiene or skipping routine cleanings with a dentist.
Dentistis often recommend oral rinses, as well as in-depth cleaning procedures that go beneath the gums. However, if the gums have begun to recede or if there is a shift in the teeth, then more invasive procedures may be required, such as soft tissue transplants.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is typically the beginning stage of gum disease. Medically speaking, gingivitis refers to inflamed gums. When a patient suffers from gingivitis, they are likely to experience inflammation, which can appear as red, puffy or swollen gums. Typically, there is tenderness as well.
Gingivitis often occurs when there is a lack of oral hygiene or when the patient skips routine cleanings with their dentist. Often, it can be treated through a procedure known as scaling and root planing, which is just a more in-depth cleaning of the soft and hard tissues within the mouth.
Similarities and differences
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease, which means that there are symptoms that overlap. When a patient experiences overall gum disease, it is likely that the infection is severe. However, if the gums are just inflamed, then it is likely that the patient only has gingivitis. The main difference is that gingivitis is such an early form of gum disease, patients will not likely experience bleeding or pain. Additionally, the teeth will not be affected, and the gums are not likely to recede.
However, one thing that remains constant for both gingivitis and gum disease is that the patient will experience inflammation. Inflamed gums are the number-one sign that an infection is present, especially as the disease progresses.
Learn more today!
Both gum disease and gingivitis can lead to serious complications if treatment does not take place. Working with a general dentist is a good place to start when experiencing a gum infection. Reach out today to learn more or to get started! Our team is here to help.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Aliso Viejo, CA.
Most dental issues (predominantly tooth decay and gum disease) are caused by plaque, a sticky bacterial film. Continue reading to learn how tooth decay and gum disease are connected. This is why bacterial plaque is often the focus of rigorous at-home oral care regimens and regular dental exams.Plaque bacteria thrive by coexisting in areas where…
Gum disease is a progressive condition that is caused by bacteria in the mouth getting into gum tissues. Your immune system responds to this invasion by sending off antibodies to fight off the invaders. The ensuing battle leads to inflammation and damage to the structures that support teeth.The first stage of gum disease is called…
Wondering if a dental cleaning helps prevent gum disease? Preventive dentistry is essential to having a healthy mouth because it helps patients avoid cavities, enamel wear and gum disease. This is why routine dental cleanings are so essential to a dental patient's overall oral health.Signing up for a dental cleaning on a regular basis is…