Baby Dental – Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis.
Gingivitis occurs before periodontitis. Gingivitis usually refers to gum inflammation. Initially, with Gingivitis, bacterial plaque accumulates on the tooth’s surface. When that happens, the gums get red and inflamed; teeth may bleed when brushing them. Even though the gums are irritated and bothersome, the teeth are not loose, and there is no irreversible bone or surrounding tissue damage.
Periodontitis is what happens next when Gingivitis goes untreated. With periodontitis, the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming large pockets. Debris collects in the spaces between the gums and teeth and infects the area. The immune system will start to attack the bacteria as the plaque spreads below the gum line. Bone and connective tissue that hold the tooth begin to break down, and teeth, over time, become loose and can fall out.
