What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis also commonly known as Periodontitis is an early stage of gum infection that is common in the world. The World Health Organization estimates 3 out of 4 Americans have some form of the bacterial infection, with 15%-20% worldwide developing the severe version of the disease.
Is Gum Disease common?
Despite being preventable, gingivitis is quite common. An estimated 3 out of 4 American adults have gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease.
What are the stages of Gum Disease?
There are four general stages of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to the more serious condition of periodontitis.
Stage 1: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and its symptoms include inflamed or red gums that may bleed when brushed.
Stage 2: In early periodontitis, slight loss of bone that supports the teeth occurs even though other symptoms may not be easily observed.
Stage 3: In moderate periodontitis, more bone and gum tissue is destroyed and loosening of teeth may also occur.
Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of the disease. Symptoms become more severe, teeth can become very loose and biting and chewing may hurt. Extensive dental treatment is typically required to try to correct the damage of advanced periodontitis.
What is Periodontitis?
The term “periodontitis” is used to describe the later, more severe stages of gum disease. If gingivitis goes untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which carries symptoms and health implications such as receding gums, damage to the bone and connective tissue around teeth, and (in the severe cases) tooth loss. While gingivitis may be treated, the effects of periodontitis are typically not reversible. It is a chronic, long-term condition that should be addressed with the help of a dental professional.
The difference between Gum Disease, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis
There may be some confusion with the medical terminology surrounding gum disease, but it’s fairly simple. Gum disease is the general term used to describe all the stages of periodontal disease – including gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis describes early (and reversible) gum disease, the kind marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when brushed or flossed. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress and develop into the more serious (non-reversible) stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis attacks gums, bone and the connective tissue that holds teeth in place, eventually loosening teeth over time to the point that they could fall out. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
Impact of Gum Disease
Although it is preventable, gum disease (or periodontal disease) can lead to loss of teeth if not treated.
