Dr. Nidhi Pai, DMD and the team at Del Sur Ranch Dental is a dentist in the area of San Diego, CA who can educate patients on the benefits of a healthy smile. Several conditions can impact the health of the teeth and gums, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. But how do you know if these problems have developed? Many patients diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis may ask our team questions about the two, comparing gingivitis vs. periodontitis. Our team can give you a definitive diagnosis of your condition and talk to you about treatment options and prevention tips. Let’s talk about these two conditions and what sets them apart.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It is a prevalent condition, and most people will experience it at some point in their lives. The main symptom of developing gingivitis is bleeding gums. Other symptoms may include red, swollen, or tender gums. Gingivitis is typically caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surfaces of the teeth and gums. If this sticky plaque is not removed by a dental hygienist, it can harden into tartar, which can further cause irritation of the gums, resulting in bleeding. Gingivitis is completely preventable and treatable. If it is not treated, gingivitis can result in periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis or “periodontal disease.”
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gum tissues that can destroy the supporting structures of the teeth, including the alveolar bone. Periodontitis is one of many major causes of tooth loss in American adults and is entirely preventable with proper oral health habits and regular visits to your dentist.
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissues
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Changes in the natural bite alignment
- Persistent bad breath
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, you should call your 4S Ranch dentist immediately for a definitive diagnosis. This helps in knowing what treatment options to consider with the help of Dr. Nidhi Pai, DMD of Del Sur Ranch Dental.
How does gingivitis progress to periodontitis?
The condition gingivitis is the mild form of gum disease. It causes inflammation of your gums. Periodontitis is a more serious form of periodontal disease. It can damage the tissue that supports your teeth and eventually tooth loss. If you have gingivitis, it’s important to see a dentist to get treatment before it progresses to periodontitis, which can happen if it is not properly diagnosed and treated with the help of a professional. This can help in avoiding unwanted changes to the smile–which can, in turn, cost a lot to repair!
What are the treatment options available for conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis?
The treatment for gingivitis is usually a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This can help remove the plaque and tartar that are irritating your gums and causing them to bleed. The dentist may also recommend a special toothpaste or mouthwash to help control the plaque bacteria. If your gingivitis is more severe, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
The treatment for periodontitis will depend on the severity of the disease. In the early stages, deep cleaning below the gum line may be all that is needed. This involves scaling and root planing and removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and roots. The dentist might also prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and keep it from developing further.
Are you seeking periodontal treatment in the 4S Ranch area of San Diego, CA?
If so, connect with Dr. Nidhi Pai, DMD and the team at Del Sur Ranch Dental of San Diego, CA. Call (858) 759-2700 to request an appointment with our team of professionals at our facility, located at 16460 Paseo del Sur, Suite #C105.
