{"id":245,"date":"2021-09-09T14:48:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-09T14:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greatdentalexpressions.com\/blog\/?p=245"},"modified":"2021-10-19T14:50:12","modified_gmt":"2021-10-19T14:50:12","slug":"dentist-freedom-difference-between-gingivitis-and-periodontitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatdentalexpressions.com\/blog\/dentist-freedom-difference-between-gingivitis-and-periodontitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Gingivitis and Periodontitis: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"person<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Most people hear the words \u201cgingivitis\u201d and \u201cperiodontitis\u201d and know they\u2019re unpleasant \u2013 even without knowing what each one means. Although they\u2019re both stages of gum disease, there\u2019s actually a significant difference between the two diseases. Are you interested in learning more? Read on as your dentist in Freedom explains how gingivitis and periodontitis differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Stages of Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned earlier, gingivitis and periodontitis are two stages of gum disease<\/a>. The biggest difference between them is that gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not. Let\u2019s take a closer look at each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis is a chronic state of gum inflammation that can progress into a more severe form of gum disease like periodontitis. It happens when plaque accumulates in the areas between the teeth, resulting in inflamed gums. Symptoms of gingivitis often include swollen, tender, visibly red, and bleeding gums. The good news is you can reverse the condition by practicing good oral hygiene, regularly seeing your dentist, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. Some common factors that increase your risk of gingivitis are smoking, using tobacco products, poor oral hygiene, hormone changes, an unhealthy diet, and chronic diseases like diabetes, HIV, or cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis. When periodontitis develops, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming large pockets where debris and bacteria can accumulate. If plaque spreads and grows below the gum line, it can lead to tooth and bone loss. This stage of gum disease can lead to poor tooth alignment, gum recession, and clear pockets between the teeth and gums. Symptoms of periodontitis include pain when chewing, receding gums, and red, swollen, or bleeding gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now you know what gingivitis and periodontitis are \u2013 but how can you tell which one you have? Here\u2019s how you can distinguish between the two:<\/p>\n\n\n\n