Both gingivitis and periodontitis are gum diseases that can and should not be taken lightly. But what is the difference between the two? How can you tell one from the other and what are the main characteristics of these conditions?

In this article we are going to address everything there is about gingivitis vs periodontitis. 

Now let’s get started!

What is Gum Disease?

Gums are the pinkish tissues that are around your teeth. What they basically do is to keep your teeth in place and together. The term gum disease is a terminology used for when bacteria start to grow in your mouth due to disregarding brushing and flossing.

If your gum disease is left untreated, it can cause severe swelling, redness and pain and even lead to tooth loss in the long run!

It is also very disappointing to say that over half of adults over 30 have some kind of gum disease while about 9% of adults are dealing with severe cases.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums and is considered a mild form of gum disease. It usually causes minor symptoms that may come and go. The good news is, when treated early, gingivitis is reversible.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Common signs of gingivitis include:

• Red, swollen gums

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing

• Occasional gum bleeding without any apparent reason

In many cases, gingivitis doesn’t cause pain or other noticeable symptoms.

Treatment of Gingivitis

The main goal of treatment is to reduce gum inflammation. Treatment options include:

• Oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing are essential, and using the correct techniques can make a big difference. A dentist can demonstrate how to properly care for your teeth and gums.

• Professional dental cleaning: A dentist will clean away plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gumline.

• Antiseptic mouthwash: A prescription mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can help reduce bacteria in your mouth.

What is Periodontitis?

Without proper treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis affects the periodontium, which includes the gum tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. As the disease progresses, it can cause teeth to become loose.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs in stages, with symptoms becoming more severe over time. Common signs include:

• Red, swollen gums

• Bleeding gums

• Sensitive teeth

• Sore gums

• Bad breath

• Loose teeth

• Teeth shifting positions

• Pain while chewing

• Gums receding or pulling away from the teeth

As the gums pull away from the teeth, they create gum pockets, which can become infected.

Treatments of Periodontitis

Since periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease, it requires more intensive treatment aimed at reducing inflammation. Treatment options include:

• Oral hygiene: Maintaining proper brushing and flossing routines can help slow down the progression of periodontitis and prevent further tooth loss.

• Professional dental cleaning: A deep cleaning by a dentist will remove tartar and plaque from both above and below the gumline, helping the gums reattach to the teeth.

• Antibiotics: In severe cases, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to combat infection.

• Open surgery: In more advanced cases, a dentist may perform surgery to open the inflamed gums, clean the root of the tooth, and stitch the gum tissue back together to encourage reattachment.

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Gingivitis happens when your gums around your teeth become swollen, red, and start bleeding. It’s the early stage of gum disease and can turn into periodontitis if it isn’t treated.

When you skip brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, a sticky layer of bacteria and food called plaque starts to form around your teeth. This plaque releases acids that attack your tooth enamel, leading to decay. After 72 hours, the plaque hardens into tartar, which builds up along the gumline, making it harder to fully clean your teeth and gums. Over time, this buildup irritates and inflames your gums, causing gingivitis.

In the case of periodontitis, the gum and bone start to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. These gaps between your teeth and gums trap debris and can get infected. Your body’s immune system fights the bacteria, but as plaque grows below the gumline, it causes more trouble. The bacteria’s toxins, along with the body’s own infection-fighting enzymes, begin breaking down the bone and tissue that keep your teeth in place. As this worsens, the pockets get deeper, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, the teeth loosen and can fall out. In fact, gum disease is the main reason adults lose their teeth.

The good news is, you can prevent or even reverse gingivitis by brushing, flossing, and going for regular dental cleanings and checkups.

How does gingivitis progress to periodontitis?

Gingivitis progresses to periodontitis when it’s left untreated, allowing plaque to build up and spread along the gumline. The bacteria in the plaque release toxins that irritate and inflame the gums, triggering a chronic inflammatory response in the body. This ongoing inflammation damages both the gum tissue and the bone that hold your teeth in place, leading to periodontitis.

As the gums begin to break down, they pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria. These pockets can become infected, leading to further tissue damage. As the damage increases, the gum pockets grow deeper, causing more bone loss, which can loosen teeth. The deeper these pockets get, the harder it becomes to reach and remove the bacteria through regular brushing and flossing.

Periodontal Disease Stages

Periodontal disease progresses through four stages. It starts with mild gum swelling and redness but can eventually cause bone damage and tooth loss.

Gingivitis

At this first stage, your gums may become red, swollen, and might bleed when you brush. However, the bones are still unaffected. Gum disease can still be reversed at this point.

Mild periodontitis

Now, bacteria have moved beneath your gums and reached your bones. Your gums might begin to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets. These pockets fill with plaque and bacteria, further damaging your teeth.

Moderate periodontitis

At this stage, bacteria are actively breaking down the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. You might feel gum pain and even notice pus around your gumline, a clear sign of infection.

Advanced periodontitis

The damage to the bone and tissue around your teeth becomes more severe. Over time, your teeth may loosen and eventually fall out.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The main cause of gum disease is plaque. Here’s how gingivitis develops:

• After eating sugary or starchy foods, bacteria build up on your teeth.

• If you don’t brush and floss properly, this bacteria forms a sticky layer called plaque on your teeth.

• Plaque eventually hardens into tartar along your gums.

• Tartar traps bacteria, causing further damage to your teeth.

• Your gums become irritated, red, swollen, and may even bleed when you brush.

Over time, if gingivitis goes untreated, your gums may start to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that can trap bacteria, plaque, and tartar, leading to infection. This infection then breaks down the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place, and eventually, your teeth may loosen and fall out. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Several factors can increase the risk of gum disease, such as:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and menstruation, which make gums more sensitive and prone to gingivitis.

• Diseases like cancer, HIV, and diabetes that raise the risk of infections, including gum disease.

• Certain medications, especially those that reduce saliva production, such as seizure medications or treatments for angina.

• Smoking, which makes it harder for gum tissue to heal.

• Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing and flossing daily.

• A family history of dental issues also increases your risk of developing gum disease.

Gum Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of gum disease can be hard to notice at first, but there are some warning signs to watch out for. The most common symptoms include:

• Bleeding gums when brushing

• Red, swollen gums (healthy gums should be pink and firm)

• Gum pain or tenderness

• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

• Pain while chewing

• Sensitive teeth

• Pus between your teeth

• Gums pulling away from your teeth (receding gums)

• Deep pockets forming between your teeth and gums

• Loose teeth or teeth falling out

• Gaps between your teeth that look like black triangles

• Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite

In some cases, gum disease might only affect certain teeth, such as your molars. Only a dentist or periodontist can confirm if you have gum disease.

Is periodontal disease contagious?

It can be. Since bacteria cause gum disease, it’s possible to spread these bacteria through saliva, like when kissing someone with gum disease or sharing utensils. However, you won’t catch periodontal disease just by being near someone with it.

Final Words

In conclusion, both gingivitis and periodontitis are serious gum diseases that require prompt attention. While gingivitis is a milder form of gum inflammation that can be reversed with proper oral care, periodontitis is a more advanced stage that can lead to permanent damage, including tooth loss. The key to preventing these conditions lies in consistent oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and early intervention. By understanding the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis, and taking preventive measures, you can protect your gums and overall oral health.

If you are facing any of the symptoms mentioned in this blog or even worse, are diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, make sure to click here to book a consultation session with Dr. Maryam Horiyat to treat your condition before it is too late.