What is gingivitis? Is it different from periodontitis?
Yes, gingivitis and periodontitis are different. Gingivitis is reversible inflammation of your gums. Periodontitis is irreversible inflammation of the gums and irreversible damage to the bone sockets. So when you have gingivitis, your gums are inflamed, usually red and puffy.
What are the first symptoms of gingivitis?
The first symptoms of gingivitis are bleeding gums when you are flossing or brushing your teeth. Healthy gums do not bleed when you are properly brushing and flossing them. If you're using proper technique, they should not bleed. Red gums that are puffy, swollen, and bleeding are the first signs of gingivitis. There are different levels of gingivitis: mild, medium, and heavy gingivitis, which is really inflamed and bloody.
How is periodontitis different from gingivitis?
Periodontitis is different from gingivitis. In gingivitis, you have inflammation of your gums, which are red, puffy, and bloody. With periodontitis, you also have bad breath and irreversible bone loss. Once the bone drops and is gone, it will never come back. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper care, but periodontitis can only be stabilized; the bone loss cannot be reversed.
Can you have gingivitis and periodontitis at the same time?
Yes, you can. Often, people have inflamed gums in the front teeth but bone and gum loss in the back molars. It's common to see a mix of both conditions in one mouth. People with moderate or advanced periodontitis usually have it throughout their mouth.
How do dentists treat gingivitis?
Gingivitis is treatable and reversible. Dentists will teach you how to clean your gums properly and clean the bacteria and tartar that you cannot reach at home. They may ask you to come back for follow-up visits to guide and coach you on proper techniques. With proper care, you can see a turnaround in the health of your gums.
How long does it take to cure gingivitis?
After a professional cleaning, light to medium grade gingivitis can start getting better in as little as three days, provided you're using the right type of floss, proper flossing technique, and brushing your teeth every day.
When should I schedule a dental appointment if I suspect I have gingivitis?
Right away! The sooner, the better. You do not want to wait until you have an advanced stage of gingivitis or periodontitis. Call our office at (925) 272-2698 or make an online appointment at orindadentist.com.