There is a lot of confusion about both gum disease and gingivitis. Some people think of the two ailments as the same. In fact, many people think the two ailments are treated the same way, and they’re partly right. However, gum disease and gingivitis are not entirely the same. There’re notable differences in the definition of the two terms.
If you want to learn more about gum disease and gingivitis, our professional dentists at Miners Ravine Dental Group in Roseville, CA, are here to teach more about the diseases.
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Information About Gum Disease and Gingivitis
Gum disease is a term used to encompass all the ailments your gums may experience. Typically, the infection results from the buildup of plaque below your gumline.
However, gum disease can be divided into three stages. This is where the term gingivitis comes into play. The stages of gum disease are:
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It’s also the mildest form of gum disease. Early treatment of gingivitis disease is associated with high success rates. Additionally, treatment can reverse the damage.
2. Periodontitis
Gum disease can progress to Periodontitis, negatively affecting your gums and everything else surrounding the gums. As such, it will negatively impact your bones and the tissues surrounding your gums and bones.
Unfortunately, you cannot reverse the damage from occurring, but you can treat Periodontitis and prevent it from worsening.
3. Advanced Periodontitis
This is the third and most severe stage of gum disease. It arises when plaque is left untreated, causing irreparable bone and tissue damage. At this stage, it’s common for the teeth to shift. In severe cases, you stand to lose teeth.
Do You Have Gum Disease?
The signs and symptoms of gum disease are not always apparent to patients. It’s possible to have gum disease and not know you’re suffering from it. However, you might suffer from gum disease if you notice the following symptoms.
- Your gums are constantly
- You have bad breath
- You spit blood after brushing and flossing
- You have loose teeth
- You have receding gums
How Gum Disease Can Impact Your Body
Gum disease is not just a cosmetic issue. It can negatively impact your overall health. It can degenerate into an even worse ailment if not treated early enough. For instance, gum disease has been linked with several other conditions, including:
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Heart Attacks
- Lung Disease
- Heart Disease
- Osteoporosis
As you can appreciate, gum disease exposes you to numerous health risks. As such, you should take all precautions to protect yourself from the ailment. For starters, maintain high levels and standards of oral hygiene. You should also avoid smoking or quit smoking if you’re smoking. Ensure you maintain regular dental hygiene and check-ups at least once every six months with your preferred dentists in Roseville, CA.
At Miners Ravine Dental Group, we are always welcoming new patients. We are eager to help you improve your oral health today. Our friendly associates are always available to schedule your check-up.
What’s the Difference Between Gum Disease and Gingivitis?
Gum health is vital for overall oral hygiene, but many people struggle to understand the difference between gum disease and gingivitis. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different stages of gum conditions that require different levels of attention and care.
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, which leads to inflammation of the gums. Common symptoms of gingivitis include redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is usually painless and can often go unnoticed. However, the good news is that gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an advanced stage of gum health deterioration that occurs when gingivitis is not treated. It affects the deeper structures supporting the teeth, such as the bone and connective tissues. Symptoms of gum disease include gum recession, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and, in severe cases, tooth loss. Treating gum disease may require more intensive procedures, including deep cleaning, medications, or even surgery.
Gingivitis is the initial stage and can be reversed with proper care, while gum disease represents a more severe progression that can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent both conditions and promote overall oral health.
