“What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontal disease?”
I was diagnosed with gingivitis. Is it the same as periodontal disease? What is the difference?
2 Answers
Gingivitis, is a reversible inflammatory condition of the gums. It's typically driven by the presence of bacteria in dental plaque, although it can be related to hormone changes (common in pregnancy), and other factors. Generally, if you diligently brush and floss daily for 2 weeks, Gingivitis can be reversed.
The reversal or elimination of gingivitis will be marked by a dramatic decrease in swollen gums and bleeding. Your gums will also go from being puffy and red to a more firm consistency and pinkish colour.
Periodontal disease, "gum disease" or Periodontitis, is marked by bone and gum attachment loss from around teeth. Periodontitis can occur if Gingivitis is left untreated for long enough, however, not all cases of prolonged Gingivitis will progress to Periodontal disease. A landmark paper by Loe et al. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3487557/) highlighted this finding.
This highlights the fact that Periodontal disease is partially driven by the host or patient's immune response to prolonged inflammation and bacterial exposure through stagnant dental plaque.
So, if you've been diagnosed with Gingivitis, it is best to make efforts to control dental plaque and resulting inflammation to prevent possible progression to Periodontal disease and resulting jaw bone and gum attachment loss.
The reversal or elimination of gingivitis will be marked by a dramatic decrease in swollen gums and bleeding. Your gums will also go from being puffy and red to a more firm consistency and pinkish colour.
Periodontal disease, "gum disease" or Periodontitis, is marked by bone and gum attachment loss from around teeth. Periodontitis can occur if Gingivitis is left untreated for long enough, however, not all cases of prolonged Gingivitis will progress to Periodontal disease. A landmark paper by Loe et al. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3487557/) highlighted this finding.
This highlights the fact that Periodontal disease is partially driven by the host or patient's immune response to prolonged inflammation and bacterial exposure through stagnant dental plaque.
So, if you've been diagnosed with Gingivitis, it is best to make efforts to control dental plaque and resulting inflammation to prevent possible progression to Periodontal disease and resulting jaw bone and gum attachment loss.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums which is reversible with improved oral hygiene and proper professional dental care. Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease where you begin to have inflammation and bone loss which may lead to tooth loss over time. Both issues can be managed by seeking professional dental care.
