If you have gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease, you'll likely notice inflamed, red, swollen, and bleeding gums. In this stage, the infection is still reversible. In contrast, periodontitis is a far more severe condition characterized by deep pockets that form in between teeth.
If you have mild gingivitis, it can take weeks or even months for it to turn into periodontitis. However, if you have severe gingivitis, it can progress into periodontitis in as little as a few days. This is why it is so important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of gingivitis.
Gingivitis is sometimes mistaken for periodontitis and vice versa. They are both stages of periodontal disease. But they are distinct things, so it's important to be able to tell which might be affecting you.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: Swollen or puffy gums. Dusky red or dark red gums. Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
Symptoms of periodontitis can include: Swollen or puffy gums. Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gums that should otherwise be pink will appear red and swollen; you could experience bleeding when you brush or floss. However, at this point, gingivitis can still be reversed. The bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected.
In the first stage of periodontitis, called gingivitis, you may notice red, swollen gums and bad breath. Gums might also bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis, which is reversible, can be treated by improving at-home dental care and visiting your dentist regularly for treatment.
Red, swollen gums. Healthy gums should be pink and firm. Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
With gum disease, you won't keep your teeth for long. In fact, unlike tooth decay which impacts your smile one tooth at a time, periodontitis can cause you to lose multiple, if not all, teeth at once. Gum disease starts small as a mild form called gingivitis.
Can you still have gum disease even if your gums no longer bleed when brushing? The answer might just be that simple, especially if you brush and floss twice a day every day. Yes, you can brush too hard or too much. For some people, they put a little too much effort, or physical pressure, into brushing and flossing.
To tell whether you have periodontitis and how severe it is, your dentist may: Review your medical history to identify any factors that could be linked to your symptoms. Examples include smoking or taking certain medicines that cause dry mouth.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Periodontal disease does not happen overnight but over time. There are four periodontal disease stages and they develop at different times. It's important to note each one so you can receive proper treatment.
Periodontitis can't be reversed, only slowed down, while gingivitis can be reversed. This is why it's important to catch it in its early stages and prevent it from moving on to periodontitis. Below are some ways you can reverse gingivitis so it doesn't progress into something more serious.
Make sure you brush for 2 minutes, 2 times every day. Consider an electric toothbrush that will give you a more thorough cleaning than a manual brush. Pay special attention to the gum line, as that is where a lot of toxic plaque bacteria can build up, and a healthier mouth starts at the gums.
How can you tell the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis? Gingivitis causes swollen and bleeding gums. On the other hand, periodontitis is characterized by severely receding gums and deep pockets between teeth. Gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis is so advanced that it may lead to tooth loss.
Gingivitis can cause your breath to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. This is because of the bacteria in your mouth releasing chemicals that smells like these things. If you have gingivitis, you may also notice that your gingiva, or gums, are red and swollen. You may also bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
While LISTERINE® mouthwash products can help prevent early gum disease, they are not indicated to treat periodontitis.
Visual Examination of Teeth
Thus, the dentist may inspect your mouth and teeth for these signs. The dentist may suspect gum disease if they notice: Considerable plaque or tartar buildup. Gum bleeding.
Diagnosis. How it's done The dentist will examine your gums for signs of inflammation and use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to measure pockets around the teeth. Why it's done In a healthy mouth, the pockets around the teeth are usually between 1 and 3 millimeters. Deeper pockets can be a sign of periodontal disease.
Slight Periodontal Disease
Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease. At this stage, your gums will start to pull away or "recede" from your teeth.
It affects around half of people aged 30 and older and more than 70% of those over 65. However, despite being common, periodontal disease can be a serious problem if left untreated.
Only the first stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis” can be reversed. After it progresses into the second stage (periodontitis), it's no longer possible to completely eliminate it.