What Is the Difference Between Gingivitis and Gum Disease?

When it comes to your oral health, maintaining healthy gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. Gingivitis and gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) are both conditions that affect the gums, but they differ in severity and progression. At Juban Cowen Dental Care in Baton Rouge, LA, we help patients understand these conditions and provide effective treatment to prevent gum disease and protect their overall oral health.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, leading to inflammation of the gums. Common symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Gingivitis is often painless, which can make it easy to overlook. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with proper dental care. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can remove plaque buildup and reduce gum inflammation.

What Is Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)?

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an advanced stage of gum infection. Unlike gingivitis, which affects only the surface of the gums, gum disease can cause damage to the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Over time, untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
• Pus around the gumline

Gum disease is more difficult to treat than gingivitis and often requires deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.

How Are Gingivitis and Gum Disease Related?

Gingivitis and gum disease are part of the same condition but represent different stages of progression. Gingivitis is the precursor to gum disease. If the inflammation caused by gingivitis is not treated early, it can spread beneath the gums, leading to infection and bone loss. Once gum disease develops, it is no longer reversible and requires more intensive treatment to manage.

This is why early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the progression from gingivitis to gum disease.

How Can Gingivitis and Gum Disease Be Prevented?

Preventing gum disease starts with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Here are some tips to protect your gums:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove plaque and debris between teeth.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups.
• Maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary foods and drinks.
• Avoid smoking, which can increase the risk of gum disease.

At Juban Cowen Dental Care, we provide comprehensive periodontal care to help prevent, diagnose, and treat both gingivitis and gum disease.

Why Choose Juban Cowen Dental Care?

Our experienced team in Baton Rouge, LA, is dedicated to providing personalized care for your gums and teeth. Whether you need treatment for gingivitis, periodontal therapy, or regular checkups, we are here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Contact Juban Cowen Dental Care today to schedule your appointment and learn more about how we can support your gum health. Don’t wait—early intervention is key to preventing serious complications from gum disease!