Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: Key Differences, Signs , Treatments

A healthy set of gums are vital to keeping your teeth looking healthy and your body happy. Many people suffer from mild gum swelling and may occasionally bleed when they are brushing their teeth. However, if left untreated, gum irritation can cause serious issues to our oral health. Dental professionals will categorize gum diseases into two categories; gingivitis and periodontitis.

Knowing the difference between the two will help protect your teeth and jawbone.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the initial and mildest form of gum disease. It occurs after plaque, a sticky bacterial film, has accumulated on your gum line causing irritation.

• Complete Reversibility: Gingivitis is completely reversible as it hasn’t reached the point where your bones and connective tissues have become infected.

• Superficial Irritation: Gingivitis will only affect the top layers of your gums (gingiva).

• No Pain: Gingivitis will rarely cause extreme pain meaning many people ignore the symptoms.

• Common: Millions of adults will suffer from mild gingivitis.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a severe and advanced stage of gum disease. It occurs after gingivitis has been left untreated and progressed below your gum line.

• Irreversible: Periodontitis causes damage to your periodontal ligament and jawbone tissue.

• Deep Pockets: As the infection progresses, your gums will detach from your teeth causing deep pockets.

• Bone Break Down: The toxins from the bacteria and your bodies immune response will cause the bone that holds your teeth in place to break down.

• Tooth Loss: If left untreated, periodontitis will cause your teeth to become loose and eventually completely lost.

What Are The Key Differences Between Gingivitis And Periodontitis?

Whilst both gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by plaque build up there are distinct differences.

• Tissue Damage: Gingivitis will only affect the top layers of your gums. Periodontitis will cause damage to your bone and connective fibers.

• Reversibility: Gingivitis can be completely cured with good daily oral hygiene and professional cleans. Periodontitis requires ongoing management.

• Pocket Depth: Healthy gums or gums with gingivitis will be 1-3mm in depth. Periodontitis will cause your gums to form deep pockets 4mm or more.

• Teeth Stability: Teeth will still be firmly held in place during gingivitis. Periodontitis will cause your teeth to become loose.

What Are The Common Causes And Risk Factors?

Both forms of gum disease are caused by harmful oral bacteria. However, there are certain factors that can cause the tissues to break down quicker.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing your teeth daily will cause plaque to build up on your teeth. After 48 hours the plaque will harden into calculus.

• Smoking/Chewing Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco will cause damage to your blood supply. This weakens your immune system and causes faster bone loss.

• Systemic Diseases: Uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders will weaken your immune system.

• Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, puberty and menopause your gums will become sensitive due to increased blood flow.

• Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to aggressive bacterial infections and quick bone loss.

What Are The Early Symptoms Of Gum Disease?

Identifying symptoms early can help you get the correct treatment and stop any permanent damage to your tissues and bones.

• Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing indicates active gingivitis or developing periodontitis.

• Swollen Red Gums: Healthy gums will be firm and pale pink. Swollen gums will be bright red and sore.

• Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath indicates active bacterial build up underneath your gums.

• Gum Recession: As your gums begin to recede from your crowns your teeth will appear longer. This exposes your sensitive roots.

• Pus Between Teeth: Pus or cloudy liquid oozing from between your teeth indicates active severe periodontitis.

• Misaligned Teeth: Teeth becoming misaligned or feeling loose indicates severe bone loss.

How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed By A Dentist?

Qualified dentists will use accurate techniques to determine what stage your gums and bones are in.

• Periodontal Probing: A small measuring tool will be gently inserted between your tooth and gum to measure how deep your pockets are in mm.

• X-Rays: X-rays will show your dentist how high and dense your jawbone is.

• Bleeding Points: Your dentist will measure how much bleeding is occurring.

• Loose Teeth: Your dentist will test to see if your teeth are loose.

What Treatments Are Available For Gingivitis?

Treatment for gingivitis focuses on removing plaque and tartar from your gums to return them to their natural state.

• Professional Clean: A qualified dental hygienist will use ultrasound and hand instruments to remove hardened tartar above and slightly below your gums.

• Improved Oral Hygiene: Brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice daily and flossing each night will remove soft plaque.

• Mouthwash: Your dentist may prescribe you anti-bacterial mouthwash containing chlorhexidine to reduce the amount of bacteria.

• Follow Up Visit: Book a follow up appointment within 3-6 months to ensure your gums have stopped being inflamed.

What Treatments Are Available For Periodontitis?

Periodontitis requires advanced treatment to stop the bone loss and control the infection.

• Scaling & Root Planing: This involves numbing your gums so your dentist can scrape away the deep tartar. They will also smooth your roots to stop bacteria growing.

• Antibiotics: Often, your dentist will place slow release antibiotic micro spheres into your deep gum pockets. Or prescribe you antibiotics.

• Osseous Flap: Minor cuts will be made to your gums by an oral surgeon. This will allow them to lift your gums back to fully clean your deep bone defects. They will then repair any damaged areas.

• Bone/Tissue Graft: Natural or artificial bone will be placed into areas of severe bone loss to help your body repair the damage.

• Periodontal Maintenance: Patients with periodontitis will need to attend specialized cleans every 3-4 months.

What Are The Links Between Gum Disease And Systemic Diseases?

Medical research has shown there is a strong link between severe gum infections and systemic diseases.

• Heart Disease: Harmful bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream causing inflammation. This will increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

• Diabetes: Severe periodontitis can make controlling your blood sugar difficult. High blood sugar will cause your gums to break down quicker.

• Lung Infections: Harmful bacteria can enter your lungs when you inhale from deep periodontal pockets. This can cause you to suffer from bronchitis and severe pneumonia.

• Pregnancy Complications: Active periodontitis can cause complications with your pregnancy such as low birth weight and premature birth.

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

Preventing gum disease can be done by maintaining good daily habits and attending regular appointments with your dentist.

• Brush Twice Daily: Hold your soft bristled brush at a 45 degree angle against your gums. Move the brush in small circles.

• Clean Between Teeth: Use traditional floss, inter dental brushes or a water flosser daily to clean between your teeth.

• Healthy Diet: Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, lean protein and dairy products which are high in calcium and vitamin C.

• Don’t Smoke/Vape: Avoid using any tobacco products to help improve your blood flow and keep your tissues strong.

• Regular Appointments: Attend regular appointments every 6 months.

What Should You Include In Your Gum Disease Prevention Checklist?

• Watch out for signs such as bleeding gums, bad breath and swollen red gums.

• Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily using a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss between your teeth every night.

• Book an appointment if your gums begin to recede.

• Book an appointment immediately if your teeth feel loose or there is pus on your gums.

• Attend deep cleans if your dentist says you have active periodontitis.

What Are The Frequently Asked Questions About Gingivitis And Periodontitis?

Can Gingivitis Turn Into Periodontitis Quickly?

Gingivitis does not turn into periodontitis overnight. However, if you do not practice good daily oral hygiene, plaque will turn into tartar. Over weeks and months the bacteria will travel deeper into your gums causing an immune response and beginning to break down your bones.

Can Bone Be Regrown From Periodontitis?

Unfortunately, non-surgical treatments cannot regrow bone in your jaw naturally. However, surgical treatments such as bone grafting can be used to regrow bone in specific areas.

Is Periodontitis Contagious?

Periodontitis is not directly contagious however the bacteria that cause gum disease can be passed on through saliva. Using shared cutlery, drinks and toothbrushes can pass harmful bacteria to those with vulnerable gums.

Does Scaling & Root Planing Hurt?

Scaling and root planing will be carried out under a local anesthetic so you will feel no pain. You may feel some sensitivity and tenderness in your gums for a few days. This can be treated with mild painkillers.

Knowing the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is important to keep your oral and systemic health. Gingivitis offers a short window to completely reverse the issue with basic daily hygiene and regular cleans. Periodontitis requires immediate and ongoing management. Working with a qualified dentist, practicing strict daily hygiene and getting checked as soon as you notice bleeding will help keep your smile healthy, strong and functional for life.