Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Gingivitis Vs. Periodontitis

People often confuse "gingivitis" and "periodontitis" as the same thing, but they are actually two different conditions.

Gingivitis is inflammation around the gums due to excess plaque on the teeth. You may notice your gums are red, swollen and bleed easily when brushing.

Periodontitis is the infection of the structure around the teeth which include the cementum, periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone.

The first sign of periodontal disease begins with gingivitis. If you are starting to notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, this is a warning sign that you need to see your dentist. If you ignore these warning signs you may start have bad breath this is because the gum tissue is beginning to recede and will eventually detach from the tooth causing pockets. Ultimately if you don't receive any treatment your teeth will become loose and have to be removed.

Treatments can vary depending on the extent of gum disease. Some types of treatments include:

  • Deep cleaning (Scaling and root Planning)
  • Medication along with deep cleanings
  • Surgeries
    • Flap surgery
    • Bone and tissue graft
You can always be pro active when it comes to your oral healthy by brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and check ups.

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