What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Gingivitis:  Plaque bacteria isn't being brushed or flossed away.  This bacteria sitting around the gums causes swelling and bleeding.  The bacteria is breaking down the gum tissue.  You may notice bleeding when brushing or flossing.  This is your first sign that there is a problem.  Healthy gums do not bleed. Begin removing bacteria by brushing and flossing daily.  You should see improvement in the terms of swelling, malodor and bleeding reduction.

If bacteria isn't removed daily, it will successfully break down the gum tissue and then move into the bone and being breaking down bone.  Once the bone is involved it is now called periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease:  Bacteria allowed to sit on your gums have now moved from the gums to the bone and is breaking down bone.  Essentially, you are losing part of your jaw bone.  Symptoms of periodontal disease include: bleeding, malodor, swelling and mild soreness in the gum tissue.  This is very similar to gingivitis.  That is why it is so important to maintain regular dental visits.  We measure bone support each visit and provide you with feedback and suggestions.  Periodontal disease is irreversible and maintaining bone levels where they are is important to keeping disease at bay.  If left untreated, teeth will loosen and eventually teeth will be lost.

Gingivitis

Periodontal Disease



Advance Periodontal Disease