Childhood Gum Disease – Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

The best way for you to help your children avoid gum disease is to educate them and yourselves about the differences between the stages of gum disease and how to avoid it. In this post, we will discuss these differences and a few of the symptoms of each.

Difference between Gingivitis and Periodontitis

While periodontitis and gingivitis are both a form of gum disease (which is also called periodontal disease), there are distinct differences between both. Gingivitis is a milder form of the disease and can be reversed. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of the disease and often can’t be reversed because this is the stage when bone loss occurs.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to a buildup of plaque on the gums and around the teeth. You may not be aware that your child is suffering from gingivitis because the early stages are painless. A few symptoms to keep an eye out for include:

• Bright red gum tissue
• Swollen and irritated gum tissue
• Gums that bleed easily, especially when being brushed or floss

Again, it’s important to bring your child in at the first sign of these symptoms. The earlier gum disease is caught, the better the outcome will be.

Periodontitis

If gingivitis goes untreated for too long, it will eventually turn into periodontitis. As your child’s gum tissue becomes more inflamed, they will begin to pull up and away from the teeth. This will create spaces, or pockets, where bacteria will start to build up. This will cause pain and sensitivity, sores in the mouth, pain when chewing, or loosening teeth.

If you believe that your child is suffering from gum disease, please contact Firestone Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and we’ll fit you in as quickly as possible. To make an appointment, please call our Firestone, Colorado child’s dental office today.