{"id":416,"date":"2020-06-03T19:31:59","date_gmt":"2020-06-03T19:31:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/?p=416"},"modified":"2020-06-10T19:33:22","modified_gmt":"2020-06-10T19:33:22","slug":"gum-disease-and-how-its-different-than-periodontitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonvilledentalspecialists.com\/blog\/2020\/06\/03\/gum-disease-and-how-its-different-than-periodontitis\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common dental problems seen by dentists throughout the United States. With most individuals unaware they are experiencing the symptoms associated with gingivitis or periodontitis, knowing how extensive the damage is can be difficult, especially if regular checkups and cleanings are not practiced. So, how do you know if you are dealing with a problem that can be easily reversed or one that is advanced and requires periodontal therapy to fix? Let a dentist in Jacksonville explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Gingivitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis is known as the first stage of gum disease. This occurs when bacteria (plaque) accumulates around the gum line and begins to attack the soft oral tissue. As a result, you can expect inflammation, bleeding, and even tenderness to occur, especially when brushing and\/or flossing between your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To combat gingivitis, you will need to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist as well as practice good oral hygiene at home. If done properly, you can actually reverse the symptoms associated with this initial phase of periodontal disease and prevent damage to the jawbone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Periodontitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When periodontitis is present, that same plaque will cause an infection to occur within an area known as a gum pocket. As the bacteria continue to accumulate, it causes the gum tissue and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, creating small spaces that can trap food particles and other harmful bacteria. Once this happens, the infection will continue to spread and enter the bloodstream. This will cause the immune system to weaken, making it difficult for your body to fight off the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should it enter into your blood, it can travel to your brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and other areas, causing you to develop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n