What causes gingivitis and periodontitis? What is the difference between the two disorders?
The causes of gingivitis and periodontitis are primarily bacterial. There are more than 500 species of bacteria in the oral flora and a small percentage of these are capable of causing quite aggressive gum disease.
In some cases of periodontitis there is also a genetic component. In addition there are some aggravating factors such as tobacco use and stress.
The difference between the two diseases is based on the tissues affected by the disorder. In gingivitis only the gum is damaged, while in periodontitis (commonly known as pyorrhea) the bone that supports the roots of the teeth is also affected.
Can they be prevented?
Gingivitis is a problem that can be reversed with treatment. To ensure and guarantee absolute control of the periodontal condition it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit the periodontist twice a year.
In the case of periodontitis, prevention is more complicated, since in some cases it is impossible to prevent its appearance. What is important in any case is to make an early diagnosis, since once the disease begins to develop it is irreversible and the aim of treatment is to stabilize and stop bone loss.
What symptoms do they cause?
The symptoms of these diseases often go unnoticed. In any case, it is necessary to pay attention to bleeding gums, the appearance of gaps between the teeth, gingival swelling and redness and even tooth mobility or halitosis.
How can they be treated?
Since we are talking about an infectious disease, the treatment consists of disinfecting the mouth. First, the depth of the bacteria (which detach the gums from the teeth) is measured and the necessary sessions are scheduled to remove them with a treatment called scaling and root planing. Subsequently, we check if the gums adhere again to the root of the teeth. If not, we perform microsurgery to seal them so that bacteria cannot re-enter.
Is periodontal disease cured or can it recur?
Periodontal disease is a chronic disorder that occurs in flare-ups. We can stabilize it completely but for that we need to do periodic checkups.