How does gingivitis differ from periodontitis?
In the mildest form of periodontal disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. The person often has bad breath. There is usually little to no discomfort. At this stage, no bone destruction has occurred and the disease is completely reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Gingivitis, untreated, can progress to periodontitis. At this point, calcified plaque called calculus or tartar moves below the gum line. Periodontitis is marked by destruction. Bone loss and tooth attachment has been lost. Most people with periodontitis have the chronic type. It may begin in adolescence and progress to become clinically noticeable in the mid thirties. It is believed to wax and wanes depending on the response of the immune system in fighting the bacteria cuasing this disease. Periodontitis can be very aggressive and progress very quickly. This variety is not as common, but it can be linked to stress, poor diet, viral infection diabetes, AIDS and rare disorders o
