The main difference between gingivitis and periodontal disease is that gingivitis is an early form of gum inflammation that can usually be reversed, while periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
It is easy to use the terms interchangeably, particularly because gum problems often start with relatively minor symptoms. You might notice a little blood when brushing or your gums looking redder than usual and assume it is nothing to worry about. However, these early changes can be a useful warning that something is not quite right.
Understanding the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is important because treatment is generally much simpler before the deeper structures around the teeth become affected.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, usually caused by plaque building up around the teeth and along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that develops naturally throughout the day, which is why regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth are so important.
You may notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss, look red or swollen, or feel slightly tender. Some people also experience bad breath.
The good news is that gingivitis does not normally involve the permanent damage to bone and supporting tissues associated with periodontitis. With professional cleaning and better daily oral care, the inflammation can often settle down and the gums can return to a healthier state.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, usually caused by plaque building up around the teeth and along the gumline.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the broader term used for conditions affecting the tissues around and supporting the teeth. Periodontitis is the more advanced form that people are usually referring to when they talk about serious gum disease.
At this stage, the problem is no longer limited to inflammation at the gumline. The tissues supporting the teeth can become damaged and bone loss may occur. As the disease progresses, gums can recede and teeth may become loose or change position.
One of the difficult things about periodontitis is that it does not always cause obvious pain. Someone can have significant gum problems without feeling particularly uncomfortable, which is why regular dental examinations are so valuable.
What Is The Difference Between Gingivitis And Periodontitis?
The simplest way to think about it is that gingivitis affects the gums, whereas periodontitis can affect the structures that hold your teeth in place.
With gingivitis, you are more likely to notice bleeding, redness and swelling. The condition can generally be reversed when the plaque causing the inflammation is properly managed.
With periodontitis, there can be deeper pockets around the teeth, loss of attachment and damage to the supporting bone. This damage cannot simply be brushed away, which is why specialist periodontal treatment may be needed.
It is also worth remembering that gingivitis does not automatically turn into periodontitis. However, leaving persistent inflammation untreated can allow the disease to progress.
How Do You Know Which One You Have?
Symptoms alone cannot always tell you how advanced your gum disease is. Someone might have quite noticeable bleeding but relatively mild disease, while another person may have more advanced periodontal problems without much discomfort.
A periodontist can assess the gums properly, checking for inflammation, recession and pockets around the teeth. X-rays and other imaging can also help show whether the bone supporting the teeth has been affected. This is particularly important if you have noticed persistent bleeding, receding gums, changes in the position of your teeth or teeth that feel loose.
Can Gingivitis Be Reversed?
Yes, in many cases gingivitis can be reversed. Treatment usually involves getting on top of plaque and tartar, improving cleaning at home and having professional dental hygiene treatment where needed.
Your dentist or hygienist can also show you how to clean effectively between your teeth, which is an area that is surprisingly easy to overlook. The aim is to get the inflammation under control and then keep it that way. Good gum health is not something you achieve once and forget about. It needs regular care.
Can Periodontitis Be Treated?
Periodontitis can be managed, although any bone or tissue that has already been permanently lost cannot necessarily be restored naturally. Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is. It may involve professional cleaning below the gumline, root surface debridement and ongoing periodontal maintenance. For more advanced cases, periodontal surgery or regenerative treatment may be considered.
The earlier the condition is identified, the more opportunity there is to control it before further damage occurs. This is why it is worth getting recurring bleeding or changes in your gums checked rather than simply hoping they disappear.
Periodontitis can be managed, although any bone or tissue that has already been permanently lost cannot necessarily be restored naturally.
If you have concerns about your gums, Dr Simon Stern at The Perio Centre can assess what is happening and talk you through the most appropriate options. Based on your individual needs, treatment may involve anything from advanced hygiene and non-surgical periodontal treatment to more specialist procedures.
The Perio Centre is based on Harley Street in London and provides specialist care for a wide range of gum problems. Book an appointment today!
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
