By Hadley Gavin
For the unversed, periodontitis is a disease of the gums, which typically starts with bacterial growth. If not treated in time, it may eventually lead to gum problems and tooth loss. Is periodontitis same as gingivitis? can periodontis be cured? In this post, we are sharing some of the basic aspects worth knowing.
Periodontitis vs. gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, which typically precedes the actual gum disease or periodontitis. In other words, if you have gingivitis and seek timely treatment from your dentist, you don’t have to worry about periodontitis. In case of periodontitis, there is usually a gap between a tooth and gums, which often can get infected as debris settles in.
Symptoms at a glance
A person with periodontitis may have swollen gums, which may appear red in color. There could be pain in the gums, and patients often suffer from gum bleeding. While periodontitis is not always as evident, some people do see blood when they brush their teeth. Bad breath is also a sign of periodontitis
What causes periodontitis?
Typically, plaque formation is the first cause of periodontitis. However, there can be other factors to blame, such as changes in hormones, other conditions that interfere with the immune system, use of certain medications and drugs. In many cases, patients with periodontitis have a history of smoking. Periodontitis can develop rather easily if one is not specific with oral hygiene.
Treatment
To answer the previous question, periodontitis can be cured and treated successfully in most patients. In most cases of early periodontitis, scaling and root planning work enough to remove tartar, and your dentist may prescribe a few antibiotics for the gums to heal sooner and for controlling bacterial growth. Other products like mouth washes and gels can be recommended, if needed. There is also an advanced option of surgical treatment for periodontitis¸ which can be considered in advanced cases, which is typically followed by nonsurgical treatment.
Seeing a dentist
If you have gum problems like painful or bleeding gums, it could be a sign of periodontitis. Do not shy away from talking to a dentist in depth about the condition, and with early diagnosis and proper treatment, you don’t have to worry about gum disease ever again. Remember that periodontitis can be a sign of poor oral hygiene and dental care, and to prevent the advanced stage of the disease, you should seek help from your dentist and schedule regular checkups.
