What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
In short
Gingivitis is inflammation that affects only the gum, and it is reversible: with a professional clean and good oral hygiene at home, the gum returns to health. Periodontitis, on the other hand, also affects the bone and tissues that support the tooth, and damage that has already occurred does not repair itself.
Gingivitis and periodontitis have the same origin: bacterial plaque building up along the gum line. What changes is how deep the inflammation has gone, and therefore what can still be saved.
How to recognise gingivitis
With gingivitis the gum is red, swollen and bleeds easily, especially when you brush or floss. It usually does not hurt, which is why it is often ignored. The bone and ligament that hold the tooth in place, however, are still intact.
It is a reversible stage: once plaque and tartar have been removed, the inflammation usually starts to settle within a few days.
What changes with periodontitis
With periodontitis the inflammation goes deeper. The gum comes away from the tooth and periodontal pockets form: small spaces where bacteria settle and a toothbrush cannot reach. Over time, supporting bone is lost.
The most common signs are:
- frequent bleeding and bad breath that does not go away;
- receding gums and teeth that look longer;
- teeth that are loose or change position;
- discomfort when chewing.
Periodontitis often progresses for years without pain. For a broader overview of the disease, you can also read what periodontitis is.
Can gingivitis turn into periodontitis?
Yes, it can. Not every case of gingivitis turns into periodontitis, but every case of periodontitis starts from untreated gingivitis. The change is more likely when there are risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, a family history or poor oral hygiene.
That is why blood on your toothbrush should not be considered normal: it is the first warning sign, as explained in our article on bleeding gums.
How to find out which stage you are at
You cannot tell by looking in the mirror whether the inflammation has already reached the bone. You need an examination with periodontal probing, a gentle measurement of the depth between tooth and gum, and X-rays if necessary. Based on the result, your dentist will recommend the right treatment, from a simple professional clean to periodontal treatment for gum disease (pyorrhoea).
If your gums bleed or you notice any of these signs, you can book an assessment visit at our clinic in Via Cesare Pavese 135, Rome EUR. Knowing which stage you are at is the first step towards treating it properly.
