Understanding Root Canal Procedures

Mild Gingivitis Vs Severe Periodontal Disease

25 October 2022

Diane Mason

While mild gingivitis is very common and is typically reversible when recognized and treated early, untreated gingivitis can progress to severe periodontal disease. Although most severe periodontal disease cases can be effectively treated by a periodontist, certain people who have severe periodontal disease may be at a greater risk for tooth loss. Here are some ways to determine whether you have a mild case of gingivitis or if you have severe periodontal disease.

Mild Gingivitis

Simple gingivitis often causes mild bleeding gums, inflammation, and redness of the gum tissue. The bleeding usually only occurs with vigorous brushing and flossing or when undergoing dental examinations and cleanings with sharp, probing instruments. Mild gingivitis may also cause soreness of the gums, and you may also experience slight burning sensations on your gum tissue from time to time.

Ramping up your oral health routine is usually sufficient in treating mild cases of gingivitis. Brushing and flossing more often helps remove plaque between your teeth and under your gumline before it hardens into dental calculus. It is thought that dental calculus buildup is a risk factor for gum disease, so the sooner it is removed, the lower your risk may be. To augment the effectiveness of your brushing and flossing efforts, rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution a couple of times a day to help heal your gums and discourage mild gingivitis from progressing to periodontal disease. 

Severe Periodontal Disease

Like mild gingivitis, severe periodontal disease can cause bleeding gums, soreness, redness, and swelling of the gum tissue. Unlike mild forms of gingivitis, however, advanced periodontal disease can also cause spontaneous bleeding of the gums rather than only bleeding during your oral care routine or when undergoing dental treatments. The bleeding may be severe and alarming, which may lead your dentist to believe that you have an underlying health condition such as anemia or a blood platelet disorder.

Advanced periodontal disease can often cause loose teeth, dental shifting, and jaw pain. Because severe periodontal disease can destroy your jawbones, some people experience pain in the jaw that radiates to the neck.

Your periodontist may recommend a periodontal treatment called planing and scaling to help manage your periodontal disease. During this procedure, they will clean your teeth and remove the dental calculus from under your gumline. They will then smooth the roots of your teeth so that your gums can gradually reattach themselves to your teeth.

If you experience any of the above symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease, make an appointment for a dental checkup. When gum disease is treated in its beginning stages, you may be less likely to develop significant jawbone damage and tooth loss. Contact a local periodontist clinic, such as Brandywine Dental Services Group, to learn more.

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