Gum health affects not just the mouth but overall health

What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe type of gum disease leading to tooth loss over time.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis often involves gum inflammation, and, in the early stages, it doesn’t always show symptoms. It’s possible to have it and not realise it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing your teeth
• Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
• Swollen, red or sensitive gums

Prevention

Gingivitis is easy to prevent.

“Good oral health habits such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily will help remove the food from your teeth and in between your teeth. It’s also important to keep up with your regular yearly or six-monthly dental check-ups with the dentist and dental hygienist or oral health therapist,” says Simona.

Treatment

Gingivitis doesn’t always require treatment from a healthcare professional. You can help it by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. If symptoms persist, you need to visit your dentist, and dental hygienist or oral health therapist for dental treatment.

Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a chronic and severe type of gum disease caused by destructive mouth bacteria that can damage the gums and lead to tooth loss.

The bone that holds the teeth in place can be lost, creating pockets around the teeth. These pockets are spaces under the gums where more bacteria can collect. Sometimes, the gums will pull away from the teeth, leading to gum recession.¹

Symptoms

• Bleeding gums
• Puffy gums
• Gums pulling away from the teeth
• Bad breath
• Teeth become loose and may fall out

Treatment

Periodontitis requires diagnosis and treatment by a dental professional. Regular dental visits are important and early intervention is critical in preventing tooth loss.

Can gum disease be cured?

“Prevention is better than cure. Gingivitis can be reversed if treated early. Unfortunately with periodontitis it is not as simple. If periodontitis is not treated, teeth may need to be removed,” says Simona.

The alarming link between gum disease and chronic health conditions

“Gum health affects not just the mouth but the overall health. Untreated gum disease has been linked with systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, lungs conditions, inflammatory bowel disease and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Simona.

Learn more about the link between gum disease and chronic health conditions >

¹ Australian Dental Association, 2022, ‘Gum Fact Sheet’ [Brochure]