Gingivitis vs Periodontitis
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum, and it usually precedes the first stage of gum disease which is
Periodontitis. Gingivitis can cause but will not necessarily lead to advanced periodontal disease.
However, it is common, and gingivitis must be monitored for progression and treated at the earliest
possible opportunity to prevent the more serious and permanent effects of periodontal disease.
When gingivitis occurs, bacteria in plaque builds up, resulting in inflamed gums. Your gums may feel red
and swollen, with bleeding likely to occur when brushing your teeth. Breath may smell bad and there
may be a poor taste in the mouth.
Although gingivitis is still a concern, the damage at this stage is likely
reversible and much easier to treat. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek advice for suspected
gingivitis as soon as possible and Lakeshore Dental Center is ready and waiting to offer you the help you
need at the earliest opportunity if gingivitis is a concern.
When fully advanced to periodontitis, the damage to the soft tissue becomes more severe. The inward
surface of the soft tissue and bone pull away from the teeth and form a pocket. These pockets gather
debris, leading to infection. As your immune system fights the infection, the plaque increases to under
the gum line. Your own bacteria fighting enzymes combined with the bacteria from the plaque
amalgamate into a team to begin to destroy the bone and tissue that secures the teeth. When the early
stages are left untreated, these pockets deepen along with the periodontitis progression, destroying the
bone structure of the teeth, resulting in tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.