Key Differences Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
| Feature | Gingivitis (Early Stage) | Periodontitis (Advanced Stage) |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Affected Tissues | Gums only | Gums, bone, and supporting structures |
| Symptoms | Red, swollen, bleeding gums; often painless; bad breath | Persistent bad breath, gum recession, deep gum pockets, loose teeth, pain while chewing, pus formation |
| Reversibility | Fully reversible with early treatment | Damage is permanent but progression can be managed |
| Tooth Loss Risk | Rare | Common if untreated |
Gingivitis: Early Stage
- Cause: Accumulation of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on teeth and along the gumline.
- Symptoms: Red, swollen, and tender gums; bleeding during brushing or flossing; bad breath; gums may feel mildly uncomfortable but often cause no pain[1][2][3][4].
- Treatment:
- Improved oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, flossing, using antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash)
- Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
- Gingivitis is fully reversible with prompt care[1][2][5][6][7].
Periodontitis: Advanced Stage
- Cause: Untreated gingivitis allows plaque to harden into tartar, leading to deeper infection and inflammation that damages the bone and connective tissue supporting teeth.
- Symptoms: Persistent bad breath, gum recession, deep pockets between teeth and gums, loose or shifting teeth, pain or discomfort while chewing, pus between teeth and gums, changes in bite alignment[2][8][9][3][4].
- Treatment:
- Professional deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline
- Antibiotics (topical or oral) for infection control
- Surgical procedures (flap surgery, bone or tissue grafts) for severe cases
- Ongoing maintenance and supportive periodontal therapy to prevent recurrence[8][10][11].
- Periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, but its progression can be slowed or halted with appropriate care[2][8][12][4].
