Dr. Jason Wagle
A doctor devoted to educating about the connection of oral and systemic health, Dr. Wagle lectures at UMKC and is the founder of CREATE Dentistry Study Club, a continuing education for the dental community.
Inflammatory diseases or infections of the structures that hold the teeth in place are generally considered periodontal disease.
Typically, these issues begin with bacterial growth in the mouth and could result in the loss of teeth. Sometimes the loss of these structures is not associated with a disease per se but could be caused by trauma to the mouth or autoimmune disorders, such as mucocutaneous infections.
Generally speaking, periodontal disease is associated with bacteria; however, it has also been associated with viruses, fungus, and other parasites. In general, bacteria causing an inflammatory reaction spread through the saliva and enters the gingival sulcus, where the dental plaque is formed.
As this dental plaque becomes organized subgingivally, the body responds to the infection with an inflammatory reaction, which, combined with the endotoxins of the microorganisms causing damage to the gums’ periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
The Early Stages: Gingivitis
In the early stages, periodontal disease is inflammatory conditions affecting the tissue surrounding the teeth, called gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become swollen or red due to a plaque infiltration that is relatively superficial and is considered reversible in most cases if caught soon enough.
In its more serious form, periodontitis, the infection has reached the bone or periodontal attachment apparatus, involving the periodontal ligament and gingival fibers. At this point, bone is often lost, and the teeth are at high risk of being lost as well.
Treatment Options
Treatment for periodontal infection often includes deep cleaning, where the contributing factors are removed as much as possible to reduce continued damage to the surrounding bone. Occasionally, some medications are used to help treat periodontal infection, including topical antiseptics and systemic antibiotics in conjunction with deep cleaning. In more severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
Conclusion
In summary, gingivitis is an infection of the gum line, while periodontal disease, caused by multiple factors, including poor systemic health, is associated with the destruction of the bone. So, gingivitis is an infection of the gum, and periodontitis is an infection of the tissues and bone.