Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis June 22, 2020 . It usually happens before you get periodontitis, also called gum disease. Both conditions are caused by an accumulation of plaque on teeth near the gum line. Not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. In the early stages of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up and make your gums bleed easily. For many, there might be a bit of confusion surrounding gingivitis and periodontitis. This tool does not provide medical advice. Gums become inflamed and may even bleed due to gingivitis. Periodontitis is chronic inflammation involving the supporting tissues around the … on, Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease). © Family Dental Center. 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. 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. Bacteria can spread and grow below the gum line. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis. 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. Clinically the gingival (gum) appears red, swollen and bleeds easily. Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis. If caught early, periodontitis can be kept in check with a thorough dental cleaning and a strong at-home oral care routine. Gingivitis and periodontitis both come under the category of gum disease and one can be said to be an extension of the other. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. If gingivitis is not treated it can progress into Periodontitis, which is the inflammation of the periodontium (support system for teeth). Without treatment, gingivitis can lead to gum disease. The gums easily bleed during brushing, yet the teeth are firmly in place. 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. 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. The major difference between the two is that gingivitis is reversible, while periodontitis is not. The gums become inflamed and easily bleed during tooth brushing. Periodontitis is an infection in your gums, but some dentists also refer to conditions that lead to gum disease as periodontitis as well. If you have been experiencing any symptoms like bad breath, bleeding or tender gums, please let us know. The reason for that is that there is permanent damage and loss of bone in periodontitis, that cannot be recovered. See Gingivitis. Reviewed The bone holding your teeth is damaged, leading to bone loss. Not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. For the best long-term difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is ensuring gingivitis doesn’t become gum disease. 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. Read on for a more detailed explanation of gingivitis vs. periodontitis. Periodontitis refers to damaged bone and gum tissues. It begins with gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress and develop into the more serious (non-reversible) stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Luckily, if caught early, the condition can be addressed with a single dental appointment. Periodontitis vs Gingivitis. Gum Disease: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis. 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