{"id":179,"date":"2020-06-12T13:36:28","date_gmt":"2020-06-12T13:36:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.friscoperio.com\/blog\/?p=179"},"modified":"2020-06-12T13:36:29","modified_gmt":"2020-06-12T13:36:29","slug":"gingivitis-vs-periodontitis-how-to-tell-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.friscoperio.com\/blog\/2020\/06\/gingivitis-vs-periodontitis-how-to-tell-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: How to Tell the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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It\u2019s very important to recognize that gum disease does not only come in one form. In fact, there are many stages of development that can appear the longer gum infections go without treatment. While one form can be easily reversed, another requires professional intervention to both treat and maintain. For example, gingivitis and periodontitis should never be conflated. To learn the difference between these conditions from a periodontist in Frisco<\/a> as well as know which treatment is best suited for both, keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Technically speaking, gingivitis and periodontitis are both unique stages of periodontal (or gum) disease. If you have gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease, you\u2019ll likely notice inflamed, red, swollen, and bleeding gums. In this stage, the infection is still reversible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, periodontitis is a far more severe condition characterized by deep pockets that form in between teeth. This creates more room for plaque and food debris to get stuck in, resulting in more significant inflammation, tenderness in the gum tissue, gum recession, and dark red and even purple gums. Over time, periodontitis can break down the bone tissue responsible for holding teeth in place. This is why periodontitis is actually the leading cause of tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only is periodontitis far more severe than gingivitis, but it is not reversible in the same way that gingivitis is. Once you have it, you simply need to manage it closely to ensure the infection does not come back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for Gingivitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If gingivitis is present, you\u2019ll need to pay much closer attention to your oral care routine. Make sure that you are brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing at least once a day to remove food debris and plaque from all the surfaces of your teeth. Avoid using tobacco at all costs, which can not only cause gum disease, but exacerbate its symptoms. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to get gum disease compared to non-smokers. It\u2019s also important to complete a detailed professional cleaning at a dental office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for Periodontitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Treating periodontitis generally takes more time and expertise. For example, you\u2019ll want to meet with a periodontist as they are specifically trained to provide more complex treatments compared to a general dentist, especially for severe cases. Procedures specifically intended to treat periodontitis include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n