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What’s The Difference Between Gum Disease & Gingivitis?

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Maybe you’ve seen too many commercials on television for mouthwash, toothpaste, tooth floss and tooth whiteners. You hear the same terms repeatedly: gum disease, gingivitis, cavities.

Wait a minute—what is gingivitis, anyway? Isn’t it gum disease? Is there a difference? Even a simple Google check might not spell out a clear answer.

It should be known, though, that gingivitis and gum disease are two distinct terms. While you want either, it is important to know the difference.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is swelling of the gums, and is largely gum irritation that is not damaging to your mouth. It is, essentially, the earliest stage of gum disease. This gum condition is, in many cases, reversible. Most of the time, gingivitis is due to improper oral care or diet. However, gum irritation may also result from nutritional deficiencies, disorders of the blood, prescription/non-prescription medication, etc.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gingivitis are wide ranging, as the condition is broadly defined. You may have gingivitis if your gums are red, you continually experience bad breath, you experience bleeding gums while brushing your teeth, etc. You may sometimes even discover pus around your teeth; a clear sign of gingivitis or worse.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is what happens when gingivitis goes untreated. It is any number of advanced stages of oral health degeneration. Most commonly, gum disease results in “pitting” of the teeth. That means that gaps, or pits, begin to emerge in the gums around your teeth. Bacteria might congregate in those pits, further increasing oral health problems. In advanced cases, your teeth may become loose, or may come out entirely.

Symptoms

If your gums are bleeding; if they’re swollen and irritated, then you may have gum disease. Loose teeth are also a symptom of this issue. Since gum disease is a broad term, it may sometimes remain undetected for long periods of time. This highlights the importance of seeing a dentist regularly.

Prevention and Treatment

Gingivitis is annoying and unattractive. Gum disease is painful and damaging. Whether you have gingivitis or gum disease, it is absolutely vital that you seek treatment from a local dentist. Your dentist has a vast array of tools and procedures that might vastly improve your oral health, including bone and gum grafts, advanced deep cleaning, etc.

The best treatment, as the old cliché goes, is prevention. Brush your teeth regularly. Eat right. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. Don’t grind your teeth. These are the best methods of preventing gingivitis and gum disease.


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