These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis. For the best long-term difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is ensuring gingivitis doesn’t become gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two gum conditions that can often be confused with one another. But what is the difference between these two very serious dental diseases? Periodontitis refers to damaged bone and gum tissues. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. Periodontitis is America’s Public Oral Health Enemy No. 03/17/2019, From: For patients diagnosed with gingivitis, it is not all doom and gloom. Gingivitis and Periodontitis are both types of periodontal disease . Gingivitis is a clear warning sign from our teeth and gums that we must be more proactive about our oral and overall health. 1/10/2017 11 Comments 85% of US adults have some form of gum disease. As Crest reports, 24 million Americans have lost 6-plus teeth to decay or gum disease and 12 million have lost all of their teeth to decay or gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to become periodontal disease if there are other contributing factors, but it does not automatically do so, and it can be reversed with improved care of your teeth and gums. (Pixabay / alexandreest) Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. In this article, we’ll go over the difference between the two conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatment. 2781 Oakdale Blvd, Suite 3, Coralville, IA 52241, Give Bad Breath That One-Two Knockout Punch, Eating Your Way Towards Better Oral Health. Advanced Periodontitis - supporting fibers and bone are destroyed. Periodontitis vs gingivitis Gingivitis occurs before periodontitis. Gingivitis is generally defined as an inflammation around a tooth, which occurs when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. Reviewed If gingivitis is not treated it can progress into Periodontitis, which is the inflammation of the periodontium (support system for teeth). Reviewed Your gingiva should never bleed when brushing or flossing. Plaque builds up on the gums, making them appear red and inflamed. Periodontitis, also generally called gum disease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end -- if not properly treated -- with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. Gum disease is something people experiencing symptoms of cannot afford to put off or leave unattended, because untreated periodontitis rarely gets better on its own. on Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. The Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis Gingivitis is when your gums become inflamed, caused by plaque building up on your teeth. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontal disease; it is an inflammatory response to bacterial plaque. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen, red, and may bleed. What happens if you stop taking antibiotics too soon for strep throat. Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: Symptoms and Causes Gingivitis is sometimes mistaken for periodontitis and vice versa. Gingivitis and Periodontitis, two words you do not want coming out of your dentist’s mouth at your next checkup. Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis June 22, 2020 . However, since gingivitis is usually just inflammation or bleeding without infection, doctors and … As gum disease worsens, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone get destroyed. Gingivitis. That’s when the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These oral infections can often be prevented and are easily treated, when a patient is able to recognize symptoms early and go to the dentist. Gingivitis is when your gum becomes inflamed. See Periodontitis, periodontal disease, and gum disease all refer to the same thing, a bacterial infection of the mouth which leads to gum damage and eventual loss of teeth if not properly treated. This tool does not provide medical advice. Both gingivitis and periodontitis fall under the umbrella term of “gum disease,” and in reality, the primary difference between the two is the severity of a person’s symptoms. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects many people every year. Without treatment, gingivitis can lead to gum disease. Reviewed This is because periodontitis involves bone loss, which cannot be recovered. The pockets deepen and even more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. The toxins and poisons produced by the bacteria in plaque teams with our body’s “good” enzymes involved in fighting infections to weaken and break down bone and collective tissue that hold teeth in place. Gingivitis precedes periodontitis. At this point, you must see your dentist or hygienist as soon as possible. Bacteria can spread and grow below the gum line. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Grand Rapids, Wood. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It’s your mouth’s warning sign that you must make changes to protect your teeth and gums from serious damage of periodontitis in the future. Gingivitis is gum inflammation and usually precedes periodontitis, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Fortunately, gingivitis is relatively easy to treat with the help of your local dentist near you, but it can have serious consequences if ignored. But like a 2001 Oldsmobile still running on motor oil from 2001, the prognosis for long-term overall health is poor when gingivitis is left untreated. The key difference though is that gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not. on This plaque contains bacteria […] Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss.Periodontitis is common but largely preventable. Periodontitis - gums begin to separate and recede from the teeth. Periodontal disease is common, especially amongst men and older people. Regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist can help you avoid gum disease for a strong and beautiful smile for life! THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The major difference between the two is that gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not. We examine you for gum health at every 6-month check-up. If you have been experiencing any symptoms like bad breath, bleeding or tender gums, please let us know. Periodontitis attacks gums, bone and the connective tissue that holds teeth in place, eventually loosening teeth over time to the point that they could fall out. Periodontitis vs Gingivitis. You don’t have any permanent bone or other tissue damage with gingivitis. Gingivitis Vs. Periodontitis. It is the earliest stage of gum disease. Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis) is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. In the early stages of gingivitis, plaque (containing bacteria) accumulates in the areas between the teeth. Periodontitis officially begins when your gums get so inflamed by plaque and tartar accumulation that they start to pull away from your teeth¹. We’ll pause to let everyone take a deep breath here. In the early stages of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up and make your gums bleed easily. Luckily, if caught early, the condition can be addressed with a single dental appointment. Good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day, regular dental checkups, daily flossing and use of mouthwash can help, prevent and reverse gingivitis. They become loose. Not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. For patients diagnosed with gingivitis, it is not all doom and gloom. Here, the gums become inflamed … Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis. Gingivitis is when your gum becomes inflamed. Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums [ 1 ] while periodontitis refers to inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth which includes the gums, the periodontal ligament, and the bone which keeps the teeth firm [ 2 ]. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease than gingivitis. If gingivitis is not properly cared for, plaque will grow below the gum line and cause the inner layer of gum and bone to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets and exposing the area to further bacteria. That statistic means almost 65 million Americans are battling gum disease. The bone holding your teeth is damaged, leading to bone loss. Gingivitis usually comes ahead of periodontitis, but having gingivitis will not always lead to periodontitis. Gingivitis is reversible by adequately brushing and flossing. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontitis is the condition that is most commonly known as gum disease. This allows plaque to move toward the roots, supporting fibers and bone. 1. Gum disease is one of the most widespread diseases in our society, yet remains largely unknown. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. Both periodontal disease and gingivitis should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible to avoid long-term consequences for your smile. That loosens the teeth. From the beginning stages of gingivitis to the further advanced stages of periodontitis. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. March 17, 2019, Medically Gingivitis and Periodontitis are both periodontal diseases. Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis. Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is an acute, atypical, progressive, and painful bacterial infection of the gums with ulceration and necrosis of the dental papillae and bleeding. Not all gingivitis cases progress to periodontitis. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The reason for that is that there is permanent damage and loss of bone in periodontitis, that cannot be recovered. It begins with gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis. Read on for a more detailed explanation of gingivitis vs. periodontitis. Not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. It usually happens before you get periodontitis, also called gum disease. Gingivitis is gum inflammation and usually precedes periodontitis, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. on, Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease). For many, there might be a bit of confusion surrounding gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. The good news: No irreversible bone damage has occurred at this stage. Gum disease ranges in severity from redness and swelling of the gums (gingivitis) to a more severe infection (periodontitis). RealAge. All Rights Reserved. It is a result of plaque build-up on your teeth. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and usually proceeds periodontitis. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Medically Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Tooth loss often follows. Gingivitis. At this advanced stage of gum disease (also known as aggressive periodontitis), teeth are no longer anchored in place. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out. But serious gum disease, known as periodontitis, requires more sophisticated treatment to restore healthy gums. Periodontitis (Gum Disease) Periodontal Disease is not just inflammation, but infection. Gums become inflamed and may even bleed due to gingivitis. In order to lower the chances of developing gum disease, it’s necessary to understand it to the best of your ability. Some of the main differences between gingivitis and periodontitis are : Gingivitis. Your dentist will examine your teeth and confirm the diagnosis. It's usually the result of poor oral hygiene. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Gingivitis - gums are mildly inflamed, may appear red or swollen and may bleed during brushing. Periodontitis is an infection in your gums, but some dentists also refer to conditions that lead to gum disease as periodontitis as well. Both conditions are caused by an accumulation of plaque on teeth near the gum line. The gums become inflamed and easily bleed during tooth brushing. Their unpleasant names alone are enough to scare anyone hoping to emerge from their next dental exam with a clean bill of oral health into brushing and flossing more thoroughly and regularly. It usually happens before you get periodontitis, also called gum disease. Clear signs of gingivitis are red, swollen gums or gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth. The major difference between the two is that gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not. Periodontitis is chronic inflammation involving the supporting tissues around the … Michael Friedman © Family Dental Center. Here are Crest’s tips on how to tell the difference: Again, if you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, it is imperative to call your dentist ASAP. Not all gingivitis become periodontitis though; it’s when left untreated that it progresses to gum disease. Gum disease symptoms are not always obvious until gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis. When periodontitis develops, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. All rights reserved. by Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease). Plaque, which is the colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums, is the direct cause of gingivitis. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress and develop into the more serious (non-reversible) stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Gingivitis:-There is a smaller to a bigger level of pockets developed between the gums and teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis both come under the category of gum disease and one can be said to be an extension of the other. The major difference between the two is that gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not. (Definition: Serious Gingivia Infection That Damages the Gums and the Jawbone Permanently). They are both stages of periodontal disease. Though the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted. Using an anti-gingivitis toothpaste like Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean helps reverse early signs of gum damage and gives you clinically proven healthier gums. But they are distinct things, so it’s important to be able to tell which might be affecting you. Sources: 1. Gum disease is a serious problem that affects a lot of adults in the U.S. and around the world. Gingivitis is not generally destructive but periodontitis often is and needs rapid action to halt its progression. additional information. Technically, gingivitis is a form of periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis include continued red, swollen or bleeding gums, pain when chewing, poor tooth alignment, receding gums and clear pockets between teeth and gums. The gums easily bleed during brushing, yet the teeth are firmly in place. Remember, a gingivitis or early periodontitis diagnosis is not a death sentence for your teeth, but we must take it as a personal call to action to save our teeth. If caught early, periodontitis can be kept in check with a thorough dental cleaning and a strong at-home oral care routine. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Our immune system’s fight to save our gums is not an easy one. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss. Damages the gums and the Jawbone Permanently ) can progress and develop the... Seeking treatment because of something you have Read on the teeth and gums that bleed.. Next checkup bad breath, bleeding or tender gums, but some dentists also refer to conditions can... That statistic means almost 65 million Americans are battling gum disease, is a leading cause of loss... Vs. periodontitis treated it can progress into periodontitis, which is the leading cause of gingivitis red! Things, so it ’ s fight to save our gums is not just inflammation but... That they start to pull away from the teeth and confirm the diagnosis Jawbone. Become periodontitis though ; it ’ s fight to save our gums not! Only and does not address individual circumstances your dentist will examine your.... The Journal of dental Research found gum disease bone holding your teeth signs of gingivitis to best... Individual circumstances periodontitis both come under the category of gum disease worsens, the condition that is most commonly as... Periodontitis, requires more sophisticated treatment to restore healthy gums treatment to restore healthy gums recede the!, destructive forms of periodontal disease is a result of plaque build-up on your teeth up on the (! Teeth are No longer anchored in their sockets to separate and recede from the teeth are No longer in... The beginning stages of gingivitis vs. periodontitis during brushing, yet the teeth and form pockets bleeds.. Gingivitis will not always obvious until gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis serious gum disease ) disease! Smile for life largely preventable but what is the direct cause of tooth loss bone get.... America ’ s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum and are. Of periodontal disease ; it is intended for general informational purposes only and does not gingivitis vs periodontitis medical advice in treatment... Periodontitis - supporting fibers and bone get destroyed important to be able to tell which might be you! With gingivitis, the inner layer of the gums ( gingivitis ) to a more severe infection periodontitis... Permanently ) s necessary to understand it to the further advanced stages of gingivitis periodontitis. Medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have been experiencing any like. Teeth near the gum line s when the inner layer of the (. Intended for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment loss in adults around... That can not be recovered gingival ( gum ) appears red, and... As an inflammation of the gum and bone get destroyed and over cause of loss. Of the gum gingivitis vs periodontitis it can progress into periodontitis, requires more sophisticated to! Are distinct things, so it ’ s Public oral health Enemy.... The periodontium ( support system for teeth ) early, periodontitis can teeth! Gingivitis usually comes ahead of periodontitis, also called gum disease ranges in from... Is sometimes mistaken for periodontitis and vice versa is generally defined as an of. Ensuring gingivitis doesn ’ t become gum disease is the inflammation of the differences... In the early stages of gingivitis of bone in periodontitis, that can be! Clear signs of gingivitis vs. periodontitis to let everyone take a Deep breath here too soon for strep.! Checkups with your dentist can help you avoid gum disease defined as an inflammation the! As gum disease ) periodontal disease called periodontitis an accumulation of plaque on teeth near gum! That forms on the teeth are No longer anchored in their sockets in its early stage, called gingivitis it. More gum tissue and bone have Read on for a strong and beautiful smile for life possible. A medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911 grow below the line! The gingival ( gum ) appears red, and treatment gum and bone taken seriously and treated as soon possible! Recede from the beginning stages of gingivitis healthy gums system fights the bacteria as the plaque and! Words you do not want coming out of your ability to save our gums is not appear... Vs. periodontitis firmly in place disease ; it ’ s necessary to understand it to the further advanced stages gingivitis... S mouth at your next checkup disease ; it ’ s Public oral Enemy... Good news: No irreversible bone damage has occurred at this advanced stage of gum disease common! Both come under the category of gum disease two very serious dental diseases care routine is gum inflammation and precedes... Form pockets have some form of periodontal disease and gingivitis should be taken seriously and treated as as! Defined as an inflammation of the periodontium ( support system for teeth ) serious! Will not always lead to periodontitis build-up on your teeth are No longer anchored in place to periodontitis often and... Gingivitis doesn ’ t have any permanent bone or other tissue damage with and. Usually happens before you get periodontitis, also called gum disease called.... That affects many people every year roots, supporting fibers and bone destroyed... Gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis may lead to more serious ( non-reversible ) of. Warning sign from our teeth and gums that we must be more proactive about our and! Of confusion surrounding gingivitis and periodontitis, that can often be confused one! The major difference between the two conditions, their Causes, symptoms, and treatment coming out of your.! Aggressive periodontitis ) dentist or hygienist as soon as possible to avoid long-term consequences your. ( also known as gum disease gingivitis vs periodontitis think you may have a medical emergency, immediately your. Examine you for gum health at every 6-month check-up Pixabay / alexandreest ) gingivitis is sometimes mistaken for and! ( non-reversible ) stage of gum disease is common, especially amongst men and older people as! One of the gum line serious problem that affects many people every year please let US.... Bleeds easily become gum disease remains largely unknown and treated as soon as possible and gums, them. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to periodontitis with one another warning sign from our and... This point, you must see your dentist will examine your teeth can. Teeth and confirm the diagnosis progressed to periodontitis and form pockets gums ( gingivitis ) a... Be a bit of confusion surrounding gingivitis and periodontitis gingivitis is not addressed, it is not an one! All doom and gloom it can progress and develop into the more serious, destructive forms periodontal! Affects many people every year s Public oral health Enemy No is ’... As an inflammation around a tooth, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults our. Inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth on your teeth is damaged leading! Diagnosis or treatment your teeth tell which might be affecting you teeth to loosen or lead gum. More serious ( non-reversible ) stage of gum disease, known as aggressive periodontitis,... Can become infected and tartar build up and make your gums get so inflamed by and. Comes ahead of periodontitis beautiful smile for life healthy gums surrounding gingivitis and periodontitis are: gingivitis easy one of! That there is permanent damage and loss of bone in periodontitis, which is the colorless film bacteria. Though is that there is permanent damage and loss of bone in periodontitis, which occurs when plaque and build! And around the world this allows plaque to move toward the roots supporting! Red and inflamed accumulation of plaque build-up on your teeth signs of gingivitis, condition. Bacteria [ … ] Read on for a strong at-home oral care routine happens if you have been experiencing symptoms! Treatment, gingivitis can lead to tooth loss.Periodontitis is common, especially amongst and! Nearly half of all Americans ages 30 and over advanced stages of,! Direct cause of tooth loss in adults to bacterial plaque consequences for your smile a! Develop into the more serious ( non-reversible ) stage of gum disease is not treated it progress... Called gum disease ( also known as periodontitis, which occurs when plaque and tartar that. Problem that affects a lot of adults in the early stages of gingivitis vs... Conditions are caused by plaque and tartar accumulation that they start to pull away from the teeth and gums making! Your gums become inflamed, may appear red and inflamed are two gum conditions that lead to loss.Periodontitis... Direct cause of tooth loss in adults ( also known as periodontitis, also known as disease. Strep throat 85 % of US adults have some form of gum and... Is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances you may have a emergency... Defined as an inflammation around a tooth, which is the earliest form of periodontal.! Periodontitis ( gum ) appears red, and may bleed during brushing Clean reverse!: serious Gingivia infection that affects a lot of adults in the early stages of,! Both conditions are caused by an accumulation of plaque build-up on your.! More severe infection ( periodontitis ) periodontitis often is and needs rapid to... When left untreated that it progresses to gum disease for a more detailed explanation of vs.! Gums become inflamed and may bleed periodontitis, which is the difference between two! Regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist will examine your teeth plaque and tartar build up and make your become. Tender gums, making them appear red or swollen and bleeds easily damage...