Gingivitis vs Periodontitis

The two gum diseases most frequently encountered are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is defined as a slight inflammation of the gums and heals fairly easily. It is mainly caused by poor dental hygiene. Most of the time gingivitis is painless, but certain signs may indicate its presence. Bleeding during brushing or flossing, or dark pink or swollen gums are some of the physiological manifestations you could notice. Although it is benign, gingivitis must not be taken lightly, because it generally leads to periodontitis in the absence of intervention.

Periodontitis is caused by the presence of specific bacteria, developing inside periodontal pockets, which gradually destroy the tissues surrounding the tooth. If detected early, periodontitis is relatively easy to treat. However, if it is more extensive (e.g. deep periodontal pockets, loose teeth, etc.), treatment could be tougher. This is why you must never neglect the health of your gums and consult a dental professional if you notice the symptoms mentioned.