Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: The Difference in Plain Words

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is early gum disease. Periodontitis is the more severe stage. Cleveland Clinic calls gingivitis the earliest stage of gum disease. It develops when plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up on your teeth and cause red, swollen, bleeding gums. At this stage, there is no bone loss.

Periodontitis goes further. Cleveland Clinic says it is a severe form of gum disease, a bacterial infection that causes the gums to bleed and swell. Eventually it can damage the bone that supports your teeth, which can lead to wiggly teeth and tooth loss. In plain words, gingivitis stays in the gums. Periodontitis reaches the bone.

The stage matters because of what is at stake. Cleveland Clinic says periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. It also says almost half of all adults older than 30 have some kind of gum disease, so you are far from alone. Finding it early gives you the most choices.

How do the two compare?

The signs and care notes come from Cleveland Clinic, NIDCR, and MouthHealthy. A dentist must examine you to say which one you have. See our glossary entries for gingivitis and periodontitis.

What causes both?

Both start with dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth all day. NIDCR says plaque that is not removed each day can harden into tartar, and only a professional cleaning can remove tartar. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that can trigger inflammation and damage the gums and the tissues around the teeth.

NIDCR says smoking or using tobacco products is the most significant risk factor. Other risk factors include older age, diabetes, and genetics. Cleveland Clinic adds pregnancy and crooked teeth that are hard to clean. Your risks are a good topic to raise with your dentist.

What signs should you watch for?

Look for these signs in your gums, per MouthHealthy and NIDCR:

• Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
• Gums that bleed easily
• Gums that pull away from the teeth, making teeth look longer
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
• Loose teeth, or a change in how your teeth fit together

Cleveland Clinic says gingivitis symptoms are not always obvious in the early stages, so you may have it and not know it. MouthHealthy says gum disease usually does not hurt. So do not wait for pain. Regular checkups matter. Read more on our post about why gums bleed after flossing or a cleaning.

How does a dentist tell them apart?

The dentist or hygienist looks at your gums and measures the spaces around the teeth with a small probe. NIDCR says the pockets in a healthy mouth are usually between 1 and 3 millimeters, and deeper pockets can be a sign of periodontal disease. X-rays show whether there is bone loss, per NIDCR and Cleveland Clinic.

Cleveland Clinic says providers also stage and grade periodontitis to see how severe it is. Staging uses a number from 1 to 4 based on tissue loss, and grading uses a letter that shows how fast the disease is moving. This helps your dentist pick the right treatment.

Is gum disease contagious?

Cleveland Clinic says the bacteria that cause gingivitis can pass from one person to another through saliva-to-saliva contact, but gingivitis itself is not considered contagious. Your risk still depends on your own habits, health, and genes. Good daily care and regular visits matter for everyone in the house.

What can you do at home?

NIDCR gives four simple habits to keep your gums and teeth healthy:

1. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss regularly, or use an interdental brush, a pick, or a water flosser that a dental professional recommends.
3. Visit the dentist routinely for a checkup and a professional cleaning.
4. Quit all forms of tobacco.

These habits do not replace dental care. They work with it. If you already have signs of gum disease, home care alone may not be enough, so see your dentist.

What is the care for each?

For gingivitis, Cleveland Clinic says you can successfully manage it, especially with the help of a dentist. Care usually means a professional cleaning and better brushing and flossing at home. See how often to get your teeth cleaned.

For periodontitis, Cleveland Clinic says dental care providers plan treatment based on how much inflammation and bone loss you have. A mild case may be managed with a deep cleaning. Severe cases may need surgery. Our post on regular cleaning vs deep cleaning explains the first step. Cleveland Clinic notes that the longer you wait, the worse the disease may get, and later treatment can be more involved.

Our dentists will talk with you about your stage and your choices. Your care starts with an exam. Our gum disease guide gives a longer overview.

Next step

Read about periodontal care at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment if your gums are red, puffy, or bleeding.