• About
  • Contact
Thursday, May 22, 2025
  • Login
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Now Then Digital
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • TECH
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • LIFESTYLE
  • TIPS & ADVICE
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • TECH
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • LIFESTYLE
  • TIPS & ADVICE
No Result
View All Result
Now Then Digital
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Lifestyle Health

Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: Understanding the Differences in Gum Diseases

Effective treatment options exist for managing gingivitis and periodontitis:

Musasi Isaac by Musasi Isaac
July 9, 2023
in Health, Lifestyle
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0 0
A A
0
gingivitis vs periodontitis
0
SHARES
24
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and regular dental visits, can help prevent both gingivitis and periodontitis.

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Gingivitis and periodontitis are two distinct forms of gum disease that vary in severity and symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

The primary cause of both gingivitis and periodontitis is the buildup of plaque, a thin film composed mainly of bacteria that initially goes unnoticed. Plaque forms on the teeth and gums, causing irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue. Bacteria in the plaque consume sugars in the mouth, producing acids that can harm the teeth and gums.

difference-gingivitis-and-periodontitis

Gingivitis

  • The mildest form of gum disease.
  • Caused by the accumulation of plaque, a bacterial film on the teeth and gums.
  • Main symptom is bleeding gums.
  • Additional symptoms may include redness, swelling, or tenderness of the gums.
  • Usually reversible with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Periodontitis

  • A more severe form of gum disease.
  • Can lead to tooth loss as it damages the supporting tissues of the teeth.
  • Symptoms include easily bleeding gums, redness, swelling, tenderness, and gum recession.
  • Caused by plaque buildup that irritates the gums and causes inflammation.
  • Good oral hygiene helps prevent gingivitis and slows down periodontitis progression.
  • Early treatment is crucial to minimize damage and tooth loss.

Causes of Gingivitis and Periodontitis

The primary cause of both conditions is the buildup of plaque, a thin bacterial film that initially goes unnoticed. Plaque forms on the teeth and gums, leading to gum tissue irritation and inflammation. Bacteria in the plaque consume sugars and produce acids that harm teeth and gums.

Other factors contributing to gingivitis and periodontitis risk include smoking or tobacco use, substance abuse, genetics, misaligned teeth, stress, nutrient deficiencies, puberty, pregnancy, hormone changes, certain medications, and metabolic diseases like diabetes.

Establishing good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily, daily flossing, and regular dental check-ups, can help prevent both conditions.

Diagnosing Gingivitis and Periodontitis

A dental examination by a dentist or periodontist is necessary to diagnose gingivitis and periodontitis. The diagnosis process involves the following steps:

Youmight also like

Uganda: Latest Ebola outbreak officially over, says health ministry

Uganda: Latest Ebola outbreak officially over, says health ministry

April 26, 2025
launch the Linus Tatts Tattoo Party

Kampala youth get inked as MTN Pulse, Linus Tattoos launch new event

April 26, 2025
the official opening ceremony and B2B meetings, connecting Uganda to global travel trade

Uganda Partners with CNN to Showcase “The Pearl of Africa” to the World

October 4, 2024
Natasha Nyonyozi's Miss Uganda Win

Natasha Nyonyozi Crowned Miss Uganda 2024-2025 at Kampala’s Sheraton Hotel

August 5, 2024

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums

Diagnosing Gingivitis

  1. The dentist or periodontist examines the gums for signs of inflammation like redness, swelling, and bleeding.
  2. They may use a probe to measure the depth of the pockets between teeth and gums.
  3. X-rays may be taken to assess bone loss.
  4. Based on the examination results, the dentist or periodontist determines if the patient has gingivitis or another form of gum disease.

Diagnosing Periodontitis

  1. The dentist or periodontist examines the gums for signs of inflammation like redness, swelling, and bleeding.
  2. They may use a probe to measure the depth of the pockets between teeth and gums.
  3. X-rays may be taken to assess bone loss.
  4. Based on the examination results, the dentist or periodontist determines if the patient has periodontitis or another form of gum disease.

Treating Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Effective treatment options exist for both gingivitis and periodontitis. Here’s a look at the available treatments:

ADVERTISEMENT

Treating Gingivitis

  • Gingivitis can often be treated by adopting good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice daily, daily flossing, and using antiseptic mouthwash.
  • Professional dental cleaning may be recommended to remove plaque and tartar.
  • In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to address underlying infections.
  • Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent gingivitis development or recurrence.

Treating Periodontitis

  • Treatment for periodontitis typically involves a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing.
  • Scaling removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gum line.
  • Root planing smooths tooth root surfaces to facilitate gum reattachment.
  • Antibiotics may be prescribed to address underlying infections.
  • Advanced cases may require surgical interventions like tissue removal or grafting.
  • Sustaining good oral hygiene helps prevent periodontitis development or recurrence.

Costs Associated with Periodontitis Treatment

gingivitis vs periodontitis pictures

The cost of periodontitis treatment varies based on factors like the recommended treatment type, gum disease severity, and location of the dental practice.

Treatment costs can range from $1,700 to $8,000 for periodontal disease treatment and average $200.00-$300.00 per tooth for extractions at Ellicott City Dentistry. Costs in Mesquite, TX, range from $50 to $75 for regular dental cleaning, $140 to $210 for scaling and root planing, and $1,500 to $3,500 for gum grafting.

In New York City, periodontal therapy costs about $350 per quadrant, while scaling and root planing costs $100 to $450 per quadrant or up to $4,000 for the entire mouth. Dental insurance typically covers periodontal disease treatment, but a co-pay of 20% may apply. Consultation with a dentist will provide more precise cost estimates for individual cases.

In summary, the treatment costs for periodontitis vary based on treatment type, gum disease severity, and location. It is advisable to consult with a dentist to obtain accurate cost estimates for periodontitis treatment.

Editor’s Note: If you find any of our content to be inaccurate or outdated, please contact us at press@nowthendigital.com

Source: Now Then Digital
ADVERTISEMENT
Musasi Isaac

Musasi Isaac

A talented writer and blogger, Musasi Isaac Christopher specializes in the health, food, and restaurant categories at Now Then Digital and Lifestyle Uganda. WhatsApp on +256759100143.

Recommended For You

Uganda: Latest Ebola outbreak officially over, says health ministry
Health

Uganda: Latest Ebola outbreak officially over, says health ministry

by Wafula Steven
April 26, 2025
launch the Linus Tatts Tattoo Party
Entertainment

Kampala youth get inked as MTN Pulse, Linus Tattoos launch new event

by Wafula Steven
April 26, 2025
the official opening ceremony and B2B meetings, connecting Uganda to global travel trade
Travel

Uganda Partners with CNN to Showcase “The Pearl of Africa” to the World

by Mugwana Jacob
October 4, 2024
Natasha Nyonyozi's Miss Uganda Win
Fashion

Natasha Nyonyozi Crowned Miss Uganda 2024-2025 at Kampala’s Sheraton Hotel

by Mugwana Jacob
August 5, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

Barry Johann Ronge dies at 74 (1)

Barry Johann Ronge, Author and Film Critic, Dies at the Age of 74

3 years ago
Joshua Cheptegei Wins World 10,000M Title

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei Wins World 10,000M Title

2 years ago
nowthendigital.com-Google honors Nollywood pioneer Ola Rotimi with a Doodle (1)

Ola Rotimi, the Father of Nollywood, Gets a Google Doodle for His 84th Birthday

3 years ago

Popular News

  • julie banderas fox news channel

    Julie Banderas Net Worth in 2023: A Closer Look at the Accomplished Fox News Anchor

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Who Was Anna Maria von Stockhausen: A Victim of Witch-Hunts in the 18th Century

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Key Tips to Identify Fake X Accounts Amid Growing Misinformation

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Busoga’s Kyabazinga graduates from Yale University with a second Master’s degree

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • From Stenographer to Viral Sensation: The Story of Debra Bollman and Her Daughter Sophia’s Rise to Fame

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Connect With Us

Join our Newsletter

Who We Are

Now Then Digital | Breaking News from Uganda & Africa

Latest headlines from Uganda, Africa & the world. Explore politics, entertainment, sports, finance & more on Now Then Digital.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Now On Pinterest

cropped-nowthendigital.com_Leading-Vibe-Radio-with-Tems-on-Apple-Music-1-1.webp

Singer Tems Joins Apple Music 1, Wizkid Releases ‘True Love'

marjorie harvey steve harvey's wife

Marjorie Harvey: A Closer Look at Her Impressive Net Worth

From Our Partners

  • Editorial Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Corrections Policy
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • DMCA Policy

© 2025 Now Then Digital - Breaking News from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Travel
    • Tech
  • Health
  • Food

© 2025 Now Then Digital - Breaking News from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.