Gingivitis vs Periodontitis

If you were bleeding from a cut, you would immediately assess the damage and treat the injury. Bleeding isn’t normal – it’s a cry for help. Nonetheless, many people still think it’s normal for their gums to bleed when they are brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums are an indication that your gums have been infected with bacteria, which can spread below the gum line and affect surrounding bone and tissue, leading to periodontal disease. This is usually caused by poor oral hygiene.If periodontal disease is detected early, it is possible to prevent and reverse any damage. However, if left untreated and unaddressed, periodontal disease can eventually lead to gum recession, bone loss, and total edentulism (toothlessness).
Periodontal disease is a common type of gum infection that can eventually destroy the jawbone and cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth, which can then spread below the gum line. When the disease spreads, it damages the gums and tissue holding teeth in place. Treating the disease in the early stage and quickly is critical.
Periodontal disease begins as a harmless biofilm, or bacterial buildup, along the gumline of a person’s teeth. Over time, this biofilm buildup leads to hardened calculus and tartar, which, in turn, accelerates the buildup of other harmful types of bacteria.The toxins released by these bacteria damage gum tissues, resulting in gum recessions and full-blown periodontal disease.
Several factors can affect Periodontal disease. Plaque is the number one cause of periodontal disease. Several factors can contribute to periodontal disease: HIV, Diabetes, Immune system deficit, Medications can affect the flow of saliva, Smoking, Stress, especially prolonged stress, has been found to strongly correlate with gum disease. Stress causes the body to release inflammatory hormones, which have been shown to cause or worsen gum disease. Misaligned or crowded teeth may be a factor in periodontal risk. Whenever the ability to remove plaque from teeth is impeded, the risk of developing gum disease increases. Improperly fitted dental crowns, bridges, or dental implants may also play a role in causing periodontal disease, poor diet,
Brushing, flossing, and being committed to routine dental exams and cleanings help control plaque build-up and damage.
For any questions , you can call Dr. Kimberly Rosen’s dental office at (661)255-2545.