What is gingivitis, and how is it different from periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, often caused by bacterial plaque buildup. Your gums may become swollen, irritated, or bleed when you brush or floss.
The main difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. At this stage, the bone supporting your teeth hasn't been damaged, making it an important time to begin treatment.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease that affects the supporting tissues and bone around your teeth. We may see bone loss on X-rays, gum recession, shifting teeth, and bleeding.
Some early signs of gingivitis include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating, and sometimes persistent bad breath. Recognizing these symptoms early can help prevent more serious periodontal problems.
How dangerous is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is generally treatable and reversible when addressed early. However, it shouldn't be ignored because persistent inflammation can progress to periodontitis in susceptible individuals.
As gum disease advances, it can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth, potentially leading to tooth mobility or tooth loss.
That's why I recommend treating gingivitis promptly, before it has an opportunity to cause more extensive oral health problems.
Can you have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time?
Yes, different areas of your mouth can be affected by different levels of gum disease.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum inflammation, while periodontitis involves damage to the supporting tissues and bone. These conditions don't necessarily affect every tooth in the same way.
For example, you may have gingival inflammation around your front teeth while experiencing periodontitis around your back teeth.
That's why we evaluate each area of your mouth individually. Depending on the findings, we may recommend scaling and root planing for areas affected by periodontitis and appropriate gingivitis treatment for other areas.
How do dentists treat gingivitis?
The first step is a thorough examination to confirm that you have gingivitis and determine the extent of the inflammation.
At our office, we typically begin by making you comfortable, sometimes using topical numbing medication if your gums are sensitive. We then perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup around your teeth.
Depending on your condition, we may also use laser-assisted treatment or an antimicrobial rinse as part of our approach to managing bacteria and gum inflammation.
Laser treatment isn't necessary for every patient with gingivitis, and the primary goal remains removing bacterial deposits and improving daily plaque control.
In some cases, we may recommend a prescription mouth rinse to help reduce bacterial buildup and support gum healing. We'll also explain how to brush and floss effectively at home to help prevent inflammation from returning.
How long does it take to treat gingivitis?
At our office, a gingivitis cleaning typically takes about an hour. This may include numbing when necessary, professional cleaning, polishing, and additional treatment depending on your needs.
We generally recommend returning in three to six weeks so we can evaluate how your gums have responded to treatment.
Once your gum health has improved, we'll recommend an ongoing cleaning schedule. Some patients may benefit from visits every three months, while others can maintain healthy gums with appointments every six months.
Gingivitis can be reversed with appropriate treatment and consistent home care, but it can return if plaque begins accumulating again.
That's why we want to work with you over the long term. We'll help you improve your brushing and flossing techniques, monitor your gum health, and address any signs of inflammation before they become more serious.
At Dominion Smiles, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (210) 866-8730 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.