Gingivitis is an inflammation
or swelling of the gums, while Periodontitis means
the actual infection in gums. Gingivitis is a sign to show the chance of
developing gum disease. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to
periodontitis.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves getting a routine oral prophylaxis(professional teeth cleaning) done at your dental office.
Gum disease or periodontal disease begins with bacterial growth
in your mouth. There will be tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that
surrounds your teeth.Gingivitis
precedes to periodontitis. However, it is important to know that not all
gingivitis progresses to periodontitis
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis
is inflammation (swelling) of gums caused by bacterial plaque build-up in
between gums and teeth. There is bleeding observed during brushing, as the gums
are swollen and brushing causes irritation to the inflamed gumline. Although
the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets.
No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.
Gingivitis
is seen in most people and is usually reversible if treated
Symptoms
of gum disease:
- Bleeding on brushing
- Red or
swollen gums
- Mild
Sensitivity of teeth to cold or sweets.
- Bad breath
or halitosis .
- Yellow or
brown hardened deposits seen on tooth surface.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves getting a routine oral prophylaxis(professional teeth cleaning) done at your dental office.
Maintenance
of proper oral hygiene, proper brushing helps in prevention
Routine
annual dental check up along with regular annual cleaning helps to keep this
disease incheck.
PERIODONTITIS
Periodontitis
occurs when there is progress of bacterial activity further into the gumline.
Untreated gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. Where gingivitis involves
only the gums,periodontitis involves gums and underlying structures including
bone and periodontal ligament(the band that attaches the tooth to the gums).
Small gaps open up in between the teeth and gums and pocket formation is seen.
This further progresses to cause a receding gum line, underlying bone loss,
tooth mobility,etc
Symptoms
of periodontal disease:
- Bleeding on
brushing
- Red or
swollen gums.
- Receding
gum line
- Loose or
mobile teeth.
- Drifting/migration
of teeth
- Increased
sensitivity of teeth to cold or sweets because of increased root exposure.
- Bad breath
or halitosis .
- Yellow or
brown hardened deposits seen on tooth surface extending onto the root
surface below.
Causesof Gingival or Periodontal disease
- Poor oral
hygiene
- Improper
brushing technique, irregular brushing.
- Hormonal changes(during teenage
years ,pregnancy)
- Illnesses (HIV, cancer, diabetics)
- Medications(like
anti-epilepticdrugs,etc)
- Habits such as smoking,paan chewing
- Family history
The
dentist will examine your gums and note the sign of inflammation.The dentist
will use an instrument called the periodontal probe to check for and measure
any pockets around the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is
usually between 1 and 3 millimetres. This test for pocket depth is usually
painless. The dentist will ask about your medical history to identify
the risk factors such as smoking or diabetes that may contribute to gum
disease.
Treatment
The
main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of
treatment will vary, depending on the depth of the gum disease.
Deep
root planning and oral prophylaxis are the primary mode of treatment.
Sometimes
gingival flap surgeries will be advised to clean the gums and the tooth
Laser
treatment for bacterial population irradication in pockets
Any
type of treatment requires that the patient maintains good daily care at home.
The dentist also suggests to avoid smoking, as a way to improve your treatment
results.
Prevention
You
can keep your gums and teeth healthy by:
- Brushing
your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing
regularly or use of interdental brush to remove plaque build-up seen
in between teeth
- Visit your
dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning.
- Quit
smoking/paan chewing.
Conclusion
So,
to conclude the sooner gingival disease is treated the better the prognosis. If
left untreated can progress to bone loss and eventual loss of
tooth. Get annual regular dental check-ups and have
consistent good oral hygiene practices.
Author
Dr.Justin
Jacob