Appointment Request
Are your gums unusually red or swollen? Oftentimes, this is a warning sign of gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease. But in certain cases, gum inflammation can also be a symptom of gum cancer, which can be a life-threatening problem if it isn’t diagnosed and treated in time. To help ensure that you’re able to get the care your smile needs, here is a closer look at the differences between gingivitis and gum cancer.
What is Gingivitis, and What are Its Symptoms?
Gingivitis is typically the result of plaque and tartar building up around and beneath the gum tissues, leading to an infection. When left alone, gingivitis can eventually turn into periodontitis, a much more severe form of gum disease that often results in tooth loss.
Gingivitis is associated with various symptoms. In many cases, the gum tissue may become noticeably red and swollen, and it may bleed easily during your daily oral hygiene routine. On top of that, you may have bad breath that won’t go away, and your teeth may look longer than normal.
What is Gum Cancer, and What are Its Symptoms?
Gum cancer is a type of oral cancer that occurs in the soft tissue protecting the roots of your teeth. The five-year survival rate for patients with any type of oral cancer can vary depending on how quickly the issue is addressed; generally speaking, early diagnosis and prompt treatment tend to lead to a better prognosis.
If you have gum cancer, there may be an unusual growth on your gums. You might also notice red or white patches. Notably, both gingivitis and gum cancer are associated with bleeding gum tissue. However, with gingivitis, bleeding usually happens as a result of brushing or flossing; with gum cancer, it often occurs spontaneously.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Gingivitis and Gum Cancer?
The most reliable way to differentiate between gingivitis and gum cancer is to visit your periodontist. Not only are they trained to diagnose gum disease in all of its forms, but they can also screen for oral cancer. As such, they’ll be able to help you identify the true underlying cause of your symptoms so that you can get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.
When it comes to the health of your gums, it always pays to be proactive. Regardless of whether your symptoms are the result of gingivitis or gum cancer, you should make arrangements to see a professional as soon as you can. Acting quickly could be the key to protecting your oral and overall health.
About the Author
Dr. Rob Wood went to the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, and he completed his periodontics training at the University of Texas. He is a board-certified periodontist who holds membership with the American Academy of Periodontology as well as other organizations. At Utah Implants & Periodontics in Salt Lake City, he offers a diverse menu of services that includes gum disease treatment, oral cancer screenings, and more. If you’re worried about your gum health, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Wood by visiting his website or calling (801) 322-5032.