Gingivitis and periodontitis are both forms of gum disease, but they differ in terms of severity and the extent of tissue damage. Gingivitis is the early and milder stage of gum disease and is characterized by inflammation of the gums, redness, swelling, and a tendency to bleed, especially during brushing or flossing. In gingivitis, the infection is limited to the gum tissue and has not yet affected the supporting structures such as the bone.

Periodontitis is a more advanced and severe stage of gum disease that follows untreated or poorly managed gingivitis. This advanced stage of gum disease where a bacterial infection begins by causing inflammation in the soft tissues around your teeth. If not addressed, the sneaky invader goes on to undermine the bone that holds your teeth in place, resulting in loosening and eventually tooth loss.

Here, you'll find a detailed explanation outlining the distinct characteristics and progression of periodontitis across its three stages:

Stage 1: Mild Periodontitis:

During this phase, you may notice that your gums recede or move away from your teeth, resulting in the formation of small pockets known as periodontal pockets. These pockets serve as concealed spaces where plaque, tartar, and bacteria accumulate, posing a challenge for toothbrushes and floss to effectively clean them. The presence of these hidden pockets contributes to the continued progression of the disease, as the difficulty in cleaning allows the harmful agents to persist and progress the condition. Regular dental intervention and specialized periodontal care become increasingly crucial at this stage to manage the progression of periodontitis and prevent further damage to the teeth and surrounding structures.

Stage 2: Moderate Periodontitis:

If you let mild periodontitis go untreated, bacteria will continue to chip away at the support system, such as the ligaments and soft tissues that keep your teeth healthy and in place. Eventually, your gums might start feeling sore and tender at this stage.

Stage 3: Severe periodontitis:

As the loss of bone continues in the advanced stages of periodontitis, the stability of your teeth becomes compromised, leading to a noticeable wobbliness that can progressively worsen. Eventually, this instability can result in teeth shifting positions and, in severe cases, even falling out.

The ongoing damage to the supportive structures of the teeth contributes to their decreased ability to withstand normal biting or chewing, along with gums that bleed, you might notice pus and infection around your gums, causing persistent bad breath.

By embracing a few responsible traits and adopting healthy brushing habits, you can safeguard yourself from Periodontitis.

• You start and end your day by brushing your teeth, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right toothpaste. Himalaya Ayurveda Gum Care Toothpaste, enriched with the power of 13 Ayurvedic herbs, has been proven to prevent many such diseases at an early stage.
• Brush your teeth two times a day with a soft-bristle or preferably an electric toothbrush.
• It's important to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or when bristles are matted or frayed.
• Floss at least once a day to remove plaque
• Periodic visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning is recommended
• Refrain from smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

Following these straightforward steps should contribute to achieving a perfect dental hygiene score of 10/10.

By embracing a few responsible traits and adopting healthy brushing habits, you can safeguard yourself from Periodontitis.

1. How is Periodontitis diagnosed?
   

   A dental examination by a dentist can help diagnose the problem. Analyzing your symptoms and medical history is the first step.

   Followed by examination of gums where the dentist carefully analyzes the gums for signs for redness and swelling.

   A periodontal probe is then used to measure pockets around your teeth. A dental X-ray to finally check for bone loss.

2. What are nonsurgical Periodontitis treatments?
   

   Antibiotics are recommended to combat the infection, while a routine cleaning, including scaling and root planning to eliminate plaque and bacteria, is also advised.

3. Are there surgical Periodontitis procedures?
   

   Yes, depending on the extent of the infection. Flap surgery, Dental bone grafts, Gum grafts, Guided tissue regeneration, Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are prescribed.

4. Dietary habits that are encouraged to follow
   

   Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking. It's recommended to follow a diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole foods. Drinking plenty of water is underrated but it can prevent many diseases and keep your body and mind refreshed.