Why do many people have symptoms of swollen and painful gums, but when examined, the doctor concludes that the disease is different? Some say it’s gingivitis, some say it’s periodontitis. So what’s the difference between an inflammatory gum disease and periodontitis? Let’s find out together.
Usually, if we are not dentists, we can also confuse these two diseases. Because the signs and symptoms of inflammatory gum disease and periodontitis are quite similar. However, the consequences of periodontitis are very serious.
What is an inflammatory gum disease?
The inflammatory gum disease is a condition in which the gums (the gums that cover one or more teeth) become inflamed.
The signs of this condition are:
- The gums are suddenly red, swollen, and painful. If there is a lot of inflammation, the color will be dark red and the gums may be more swollen. When brushing teeth or biting foods that irritate the gums, it can also cause bleeding gums.
- When the disease is advanced, pressing on the swollen gum area may have a milky white discharge. The infected area also causes an unpleasant odor.
What is the difference of periodontal disease?
With this disease, the place of infection is the periodontal organization including the gums, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament system…
The harmful effects of this disease can destroy the natural structure of the periodontal organization and also the tooth structure. The end result is loose teeth and fall out.
If seen with the naked eye, periodontal disease has the same initial signs as inflammatory gum disease. Because there is also a condition where the gums are red, swollen, and painful; There is also bleeding or pus discharge, and there is also tooth sensitivity…
However, when the dentist does a physical examination, using specialized tools, the right type of disease will be determined.
Because periodontitis will cause severe damage to the organizations around the teeth; Typically, the mouth is always foul, the gums recede, exposing the long roots of the teeth … Or alveolar bone loss, making teeth loose and fall out.
It can be said that inflammatory gum disease is the first step in the process of periodontitis.
Treating gingivitis completely is many times easier than treating periodontitis.
The main cause of infection is plaque and tartar. This is a fertile environment for bacteria to grow and cause toxins. Thereby causing severe irritation that causes the gum tissue to become inflamed.
When the dentist cleans the teeth, removes tartar and plaque; Combined with a standard daily oral care regimen, an inflammatory gum disease will be completely overcome.
However, if you neglect to skip this stage, the inflammatory process will be more severe. As a result periodontal disease will develop, and the treatment process will be expensive and time consuming. Because treatment of periodontitis is not the same as treating gingivitis, the steps are extremely complicated.
Note: periodontitis after complete treatment is still possible to recur. Because the damaged area around the teeth does not recover as it was (jawbone disappears). So, just neglecting to take care of your teeth can also cause periodontitis to return.
Prevention is always better than cure
The advice from dental experts always has a reason to want to help you prevent disease very well.
Such as:
- You should brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, each time brushing should be maintained for 2 minutes.
- Need to combine dental floss to clean the teeth. For some subjects, it is possible to use a water flosser, or an electronic toothbrush.
- You should rinse your mouth with saline to limit and inhibit the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.
- Limit snacking before bed, limit eating hot spicy foods or high in sugar.
- Get into the habit of examining teeth, cleaning tartar, polishing teeth periodically every 3-6 months (depending on each person’s oral health situation)
Proper dental care is a great solution to help you beat all oral diseases. In addition, it also helps you to smile confidently in communication and be happier in daily life.
QUOC BINH DENTAL CLINIC is always ready to accompany and serve you. Free examination & consultation for all dental services.
QUOC BINH DENTAL CLINIC IN VUNG TAU CITY
Chief Doctor: Dr. PHAN QUOC BINH
Facility 1: 19 Pham Hong Thai, Ward 7, Vung Tau City.
(Closed every Sunday)
☎️ 09148399 66/ (0254) 383 99 66
Facility 2: 28 Le Loi, Ward 4, Vung Tau City.
(Closed every Saturday)
☎️ (0254) 381 83 18
Facility 3: 649 Truong Cong Dinh, Ward 7, Vung Tau City
Doctor in charge: Dr. NGUYEN HUU CHIEN
️☎️ 0708 649 649
(Closed every Friday)
⏰Working time: 7:30 – 11:30, 14:00 – 20:30
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