What to know about gingivitis vs. periodontitis

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Gingivitis is a mild gum disease. It does not tend to lead to severe issues or complications. In fact, with treatment in the early stages, gingivitis can be reversible.

However, if a person does not get treatment, gingivitis can worsen and progress to periodontitis.

Periodontitis occurs when plaque, and the bacteria it contains, spread to the gumline. The bacteria can trigger an inflammatory response that damages the tissue of the gums and the bone that keeps teeth in position.

As this process damages the gums and they start receding, the teeth appear more exposed, and gum pockets form. Infection can occur in these pockets, causing even more damage to bones and soft tissue.

If the gum pockets get too big, the teeth may loosen, and keeping the gums clear from bacteria becomes more difficult.

Gingivitis does not usually cause pain or any serious symptoms. Some common symptoms that people may experience include:

• swollen or red gums
• gum bleeding when brushing or flossing
• random bleeding from the gums
• bad breath
• tenderness in gums

Periodontitis is different. It occurs in stages, and this can impact the symptoms a person experiences.

During the first stages of periodontitis, people may experience symptoms similar to gingivitis, but the more advanced stages can cause additional symptoms, such as:

• bleeding and sore gums
• sensitive teeth
• loose teeth
• discomfort when chewing
• receding gums that pull away from the teeth
• teeth that move away from their natural positions

When the gums recede from a tooth, it creates a pocket space. These pockets can lead to a buildup of bacteria and potentially cause infections.

The buildup of dental plaque is the most common cause of gingivitis and periodontitis. This is because the bacteria in plaque can grow and multiply when they interact with the sugars in the mouth, releasing toxins and waste products that irritate and inflame gums.

However, bacteria and plaque are not the only factors contributing to periodontal disease. Other potential causes and risk factors include:

• hormonal changes that can occur during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty
• having certain health conditions, such as diabetes, HIV, or AIDS
• taking certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, hormonal contraceptives, or anticoagulants
• smoking or using tobacco products
• genetic factors
• having low vitamin C levels
• eating large amounts of refined carbohydrates

The treatment of gingivitis usually focuses on minimizing gum inflammation. People can achieve this by trying the following techniques:

• flossing and using antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine every day
• brushing at least twice a day, especially when waking up and before going to bed
• undergoing professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the gumline and teeth
• maintaining overall good oral hygiene

Periodontitis may require additional treatment than gingivitis. For more severe cases, oral or topical antibiotics are necessary. Doctors may even recommend surgery.

During the procedure, the doctor cuts open the inflamed gums to clean the roots of the affected teeth to prevent further gum and tooth decay. This can help slow disease progression.

Prevention for gingivitis and periodontitis is the same. To prevent both, people should consistently maintain good oral hygiene. Following an oral hygiene routine can prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.

Some strategies that help a person maintain good oral health include:

• brushing twice every day, usually after waking up and before going to bed
• flossing daily, which helps to remove bacteria stuck between teeth
• managing diabetes, if applicable
• avoiding smoking and tobacco use
• limiting alcohol and refined carbohydrate consumption

Learn more tips about caring for gums and teeth.

People should schedule regular checkup appointments with a dentist at least once a year.

Dental checkups can help identify potential situations that increase the chance of developing gingivitis and periodontitis. Dentists may advise removing plaque and tartar buildup and provide tips on how to manage good oral health.

A person should also visit the dentist if they develop any of the following symptoms:

• painful gums
• loose teeth
• pain when chewing
• persistent bad breath
• receding gums
• bleeding gums

These could indicate periodontal disease.

If an individual knows they have periodontal disease, attending regular appointments with a dentist is essential.

Gingivitis is a mild gum inflammation. Often, gingivitis is reversible with professional dental cleaning and maintaining good oral hygiene. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis.

If this happens, people may need additional treatment, including antibiotics or surgery. In its later stages, periodontitis can lead to severe tooth and gum damage.

Good oral hygiene at home and attending regular dentist checkup visits are key to preventing both gingivitis and periodontitis.