Gingival and Periodontal disease

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.

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