Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: What Is the Difference?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth. It often causes redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding. At this stage, the deeper bone support has not been permanently damaged.

Professional cleaning and consistent home care can often bring gingivitis under control, but the cause of inflammation needs to be addressed before it progresses.

Periodontitis develops when inflammation and bacteria affect the deeper support around teeth. Gum pockets become deeper, bone can recede, and teeth may become less stable over time.

Treatment is focused on controlling infection, reducing pocket depths when possible, protecting bone support, and establishing a maintenance schedule.

A patient may see bleeding and assume the problem is minor, but the true diagnosis depends on pocket depths, X-rays, gum recession, and tooth stability. A periodontist can explain whether the condition is gingivitis, early periodontitis, or a more advanced stage.