Understanding The Signs Of Gingivitis And Gum Disease
Even if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, mouthwash commercials are always warning you about the perils of gum disease and gingivitis. What are these two conditions? Are they the same, related, or different? And what are the signs you should be alert to?
At Community Dental Group, we help people just like you to maintain excellent dental health. Being informed about your mouth and how to care for your teeth is critical, so it’s important that you understand exactly what gum disease — also called periodontal disease — looks like.
Gum Disease Versus Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. The difference between the two is extent — gingivitis is completely reversible. On the other hand, someone is suffering from gum disease once he or she has had permanent damage to the teeth, bone, or gums that will never heal completely.
It’s important to understand that gingivitis does not always progress to periodontal disease. Some cases of gingivitis are brief, and the body can fight off complications as you use an appropriate gum care regimen. However, you should see a dentist if symptoms persist.
How Does Gingivitis Start?
Gingivitis begins when the same bacteria that cause cavities begin to colonize the soft tissue of your gums. This leads to inflammation of the gums, which causes redness, swelling, and pain in the affected tissue.
Many people who have early gingivitis do not even realize it until the first time they brush their teeth. Gums affected with gingivitis will bleed much more easily than healthy gums, although healthy gums can also bleed if you brush too hard.
How Do I Recognize Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is characterized by pain and discoloration in gums, which can be blue, black, or green. During this full-scale gum disease, the outermost layer of the gums actually pulls away from the teeth, making further infection more likely.
If you believe that you may have periodontal disease, or you have symptoms of gingivitis that have persisted for more than a few days, it is important to be seen by a dentist right away. With immediate treatment, the damage can be limited.
How Is Gingivitis Treated?
Gingivitis can be treated in consultation with your dentist by promoting plaque removal. Gum disease treatments are more extensive, requiring that healthy gums be reattached to teeth while swelling and bacteria growth are both reduced.
At Community Dental Group, we can help you safeguard your teeth. Call us from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, or anywhere else in California. We look forward to helping you.