Both gingivitis and periodontitis are forms of gum disease, which occurs when plaque builds up along and beneath the gum line. Though these two oral health problems are related, they’re not exactly the same, so what is the difference between periodontitis and gingivitis? Read on to find out.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It sometimes involves issues such as inflammation, redness, swelling, and bleeding gums, though some patients experience no symptoms at all. Gingivitis can be caused by poor diet, poor oral hygiene, adverse lifestyle decisions such as smoking, hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and chronic medical conditions that make it harder to fight off infections.

The good news about this early form of gum disease is that gingivitis is entirely reversible if those suffering from it take action immediately. The goal of gingivitis treatments is to minimize gum inflammation, which can be accomplished by maintaining excellent home oral hygiene, going in for professional dental cleanings, and using a prescription mouthwash that features chlorhexidine to reduce bacterial populations in the mouth.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a more severe form of gum disease. It involves inflammation of the periodontium, the connective tissues that keep the teeth in place. The symptoms of periodontitis go beyond bleeding, swollen gums. They can include tooth sensitivity, soreness, bad breath, pain with chewing, gum recession, and loosened teeth.

While gingivitis is easily reversible, periodontitis is harder to treat. It causes the gums to pull away from a patient’s teeth, forming spaces called pockets that can become filled with infection. Treatment options for periodontitis include professional deep cleanings, which involve removing tartar and plaque beneath the gum line, and antibiotics to control infection.

In extreme cases, a periodontist may recommend open surgery to treat periodontitis. This treatment option involves cutting open the inflamed gums, cleaning the teeth’s roots and sanding down imperfections caused by infections, and stitching the tissues back together so the gums can reattach to the teeth. Suppose patients have already suffered significant bone loss as a result of untreated, periodontal disease. In that case, they may also need bone or soft tissue grafts to stabilize their jaws and teeth.

The Importance of Early Treatment

Since gingivitis can progress to periodontitis if left untreated, it’s vital for anyone suffering from symptoms like inflamed and bleeding gums to seek help immediately. The level of treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis is clearly quite different. Most people would prefer to head in for a routine cleaning, improve their home oral hygiene routines, and quit smoking than undergo serious, invasive surgery. Preventing severe gum disease is always better than treating it.

Schedule an Appointment Today

No amount of home oral care can replace visits to a dentist for professional cleanings. Because the earliest stages of gum disease may not produce any symptoms, exams are just as crucial as cleanings. Suppose a dentist or hygienist notices signs of gum disease early. In that case, it can make the difference between using simple treatments like prescription mouthwashes or more frequent routine dental cleanings and undergoing much more painful and invasive treatments for periodontal disease.