There are different stages of gum disease, with each stage being based on the severity of the infection. Because there are different stages of gum disease, it can be difficult to differentiate between each one. When trying to determine what stage the infection is at, it is best to begin with a visit with a general dentist.
Outlined below are overviews of gum disease and gingivitis. While the two do tend to overlap, there are a few key differences that are important to be aware of.
Gum disease is a serious infection in the gums that causes damage to the soft tissues. If gum disease goes untreated, patients may also experience damage to their teeth, such as tooth decay. Typically, the cause of gum disease is genetics, lack of oral hygiene or skipping routine cleanings with a dentist.
Dentistis often recommend oral rinses, as well as in-depth cleaning procedures that go beneath the gums. However, if the gums have begun to recede or if there is a shift in the teeth, then more invasive procedures may be required, such as soft tissue transplants.
Gingivitis is typically the beginning stage of gum disease. Medically speaking, gingivitis refers to inflamed gums. When a patient suffers from gingivitis, they are likely to experience inflammation, which can appear as red, puffy or swollen gums. Typically, there is tenderness as well.
Gingivitis often occurs when there is a lack of oral hygiene or when the patient skips routine cleanings with their dentist. Often, it can be treated through a procedure known as scaling and root planing, which is just a more in-depth cleaning of the soft and hard tissues within the mouth.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease, which means that there are symptoms that overlap. When a patient experiences overall gum disease, it is likely that the infection is severe. However, if the gums are just inflamed, then it is likely that the patient only has gingivitis. The main difference is that gingivitis is such an early form of gum disease, patients will not likely experience bleeding or pain. Additionally, the teeth will not be affected, and the gums are not likely to recede.
However, one thing that remains constant for both gingivitis and gum disease is that the patient will experience inflammation. Inflamed gums are the number-one sign that an infection is present, especially as the disease progresses.
Both gum disease and gingivitis can lead to serious complications if treatment does not take place. Working with a general dentist is a good place to start when experiencing a gum infection. Reach out today to learn more or to get started! Our team is here to help.
Request an appointment here: https://alwayssmile-dental.com or call Always Smile Dental at (718) 450-9398 for an appointment in our Elmhurst office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Elmhurst, NY.
Gum disease is not something that anyone wants to deal with, however, it is often inevitable. This oral condition operates in a few different stages, ranging from mild to severe. In order to avoid entering the severe stages, it is important to take preventive measures. There are a few different ways that general dentists recommend…
Avoiding gum disease at all costs is essential, as once someone is diagnosed with this dental-related disease, it means that they are in need of additional dental treatment to restore their good oral health. Even though gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, it can still cause harm to one’s overall good oral health.Thinking…
Gum disease is a progressive condition that is caused by bacteria in the mouth getting into gum tissues. Your immune system responds to this invasion by sending off antibodies to fight off the invaders. The ensuing battle leads to inflammation and damage to the structures that support teeth.The first stage of gum disease is called…
When people experience cavities, the resulting pain can interfere with eating and flare up when the cavity comes in contact with hot or cold foods. A laser dentistry can assist with repairing cavities depending on their severity and in a way that reduces the pain typically associated with such a procedure. Those who want to…
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that a lot of people suffer from. Dental specialists that focus on dental sleep medicine are able to manage and treat sleep apnea through a variety of different methods. Each method is customized to fit the patient’s needs, but some of the most popular methods include the use of…
Preventive dentistry is important in maintaining oral health. Visits in this field of dentistry involve treatment and dental education. These appointments aim to prevent gum disease, cavities, and enamel wear. They result in an attractive smile and healthy teeth. If you want to know more about vital preventive dentistry visits, here are the details.Preventing the…