What Is the Difference Between Gingivitis & Periodontitis?

Your teeth aren't the only focus when investing in your oral health. Good oral hygiene supports everything from your gums and tongue to the roof of your mouth. While your teeth might appear strong and healthy, neglecting your gums can lead to serious repercussions: gum disease.

People might use terms like gingivitis and periodontitis interchangeably, but these oral health concerns represent different stages of gum disease. 

Along with consistent brushing and flossing, visiting your dentist for routine check-ups can help identify and manage the early stages of gum disease. 

A Closer Look at Gingivitis

Gingivitis represents the mildest and most reversible form of gum disease. The term literally means "inflammation of the gums," and that's exactly what happens when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up along your gumline.

What Causes Gingivitis?

Plaque that accumulates on your teeth is the primary culprit behind gingivitis. When you don't brush and floss regularly, plaque remains on your teeth and hardens into tartar—which only a professional cleaning can remove. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate your gums, leading to inflammation.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing gingivitis, including:

• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Certain medications that reduce saliva flow
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes and other systemic diseases
• Genetic predisposition
• Misaligned teeth that are harder to clean properly

Gingivitis Symptoms

The early signs of gingivitis are often subtle, which is why many people don't realise they have it. They might include: 

• Red, swollen gums: Healthy gums should appear pink and firm. If your gums look puffy or darker than usual, gingivitis might be developing.
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing: While a little bleeding after aggressive flossing might be normal, consistent bleeding is a red flag.
• Bad breath that doesn't go away: Persistent halitosis (bad breath) can indicate bacterial buildup in your mouth.
• Tender or sensitive gums: Your gums might feel sore when you brush or eat certain foods.
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth: You might notice that your gums look like they're receding slightly.

Treating Gingivitis

The encouraging news about gingivitis is that it's completely reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene habits: 

• Professional dental cleaning: Your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that you can't eliminate with regular brushing and flossing.
• Improved oral hygiene: Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can reverse gingivitis within weeks.
• Regular dental checkups: Professional cleanings every six months help prevent plaque buildup and catch problems early.

More on Periodontitis 

When gingivitis goes untreated, it progresses to a more serious stage: periodontitis. While gingivitis generally only affects the gums, periodontitis involves the deeper supporting structures of your teeth, including the periodontal ligament and bone.

The Progression from Gingivitis to Periodontitis

Leaving gingivitis untreated allows inflammation to spread deeper below the gumline, causing the gums to pull away from teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive. These pockets then become infected, forcing your immune system to take action by breaking down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. 

This creates an intense cycle: as supporting structures weaken, the pockets deepen, allowing more bacteria to accumulate and cause further damage.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Periodontitis symptoms are more severe and noticeable than those of gingivitis:

• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, or eating
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth, making teeth appear longer
• Deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together
• Puss between teeth and gums

Treating Periodontitis

Periodontitis treatment is more involved and may include:

• Scaling and root planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach.
• Medications: Antibiotics, antimicrobial mouth rinses, or antibiotic gels may be prescribed to control bacterial infection.
• Surgical treatments: Advanced cases might require procedures like flap surgery, bone grafts, or tissue regeneration to restore damaged structures.
• Ongoing maintenance: Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings are necessary to prevent recurrence.

Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: Key Differences

Gingivitis and periodontitis share certain similarities (i.e., gum inflammation), but they represent different stages of gum disease. Here are some key differences that set them apart: 

Reversibility

• Gingivitis is completely reversible with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene. Since it only affects the gums themselves, no permanent damage occurs to the supporting structures of your teeth.
• Periodontitis causes permanent damage to the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth. While treatment can stop the progression and manage the condition, the damage that's already occurred cannot be reversed.

Severity & Symptoms

• Gingivitis symptoms are generally mild and might go unnoticed. The condition primarily involves surface-level gum inflammation without affecting deeper structures.
• Periodontitis presents more severe symptoms and involves the breakdown of deeper supporting structures, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated.

Treatment Complexity

• Gingivitis treatment is straightforward and typically involves improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
• Periodontitis requires more complex treatment, often including deep cleaning procedures, medications, and possibly surgical interventions.

Taking Action for Your Gum Health

If you're experiencing any symptoms of gum disease—from bleeding gums to persistent bad breath—don't wait to seek professional help. Early intervention can mean the difference between simple treatment and complex procedures. 

If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning or your gums are starting to feel sensitive, connect with our McKenzie Towne Family Dental team to book your appointment today. The sooner you take action, the better we can help you protect your beautiful smile.