While both conditions are forms of the same type of disease, there are some key differences between gingivitis and periodontitis.

Severity

One of the main factors differentiating gingivitis and periodontitis is the severity of symptoms.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis causes gum swelling and pain in some cases. However, it’s usually not severe or permanent like periodontitis. Gingivitis can also go away on its own with good oral hygiene.

Periodontitis: Periodontitis leads to bone loss in the jaw, loose teeth, and extreme gum recession, when the gum line shifts back to reveal more of the tooth. Periodontitis can’t go away on its own and requires treatment to cure.

Treatment Plans

Treatment options for both stages of gum disease also have different goals.

Gingivitis: Treatment typically focuses on reducing gum inflammation through oral hygiene tactics like brushing, flossing, and getting routine dental cleanings.

Periodontitis: Since it’s a more advanced form of gum disease, treatment usually requires additional tactics and a more hands-on approach. This might include surgical procedures to deep-clean inflamed gums, tooth removal, or oral or topical antibiotics.

Affected Demographics

Gingivitis and periodontitis affect slightly different populations of people.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis typically impacts a broader demographic, regardless of age or other factors. Gingivitis is also less commonly linked to a family history of gum disease.

Periodontitis: Periodontitis is more common in older demographics, males, people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, and people with a family history of the disease.

Despite some differences, these forms of gum disease are similar in ways that can sometimes make them difficult to tell apart.

Causes

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both caused by plaque (a soft, sticky substance that builds up between the teeth) and tartar (hardened plaque) on the teeth. Bacteria within the plaque and tartar can irritate the gums and teeth, triggering inflammation in the body.

The most common cause of plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth is poor oral hygiene. However, other factors can also play a role, such as smoking, hormonal changes, and certain conditions like diabetes and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDs).

Risk Factors

Periodontitis and gingivitis have similar risk factors because they’re both stages of gum disease.

You may be at a higher risk of either condition if you:

• Are a smoker
• Don’t have access to proper oral hygiene and nutrition
• Have certain chronic (long-term) conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity
• Take medications with side effects that impact the gums
• Have chronic stress
• Have a family history of gum disease
• Experience hormonal changes, like with pregnancy or menopause
• Have crooked teeth
• Have teeth that are difficult to clean

Prevention

Gingivitis and periodontitis prevention strategies are similar. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can help prevent plaque from building up and lower your chances of developing gum disease.

You can lower your chance of developing gum disease if you:

Gingivitis leads to periodontitis, so a healthcare provider will typically diagnose you with one or the other stage of gum disease.

It’s technically possible to have gingivitis and periodontitis in different parts of the mouth at the same time. This might occur if you have more plaque buildup that has progressed to periodontitis in certain areas, while other parts of your mouth are only in the initial stages of gingivitis.

The longer gingivitis goes untreated, the more likely it is to turn into periodontitis. For this reason, it’s important to address gum inflammation as soon as you notice it by changing oral hygiene habits and getting routine dental health checkups.

See a dentist as soon as possible if you notice the following symptoms of gum disease:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Gum, tooth, or mouth pain
• Loose teeth

Based on their assessment and diagnosis, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist (a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease) or an endodontist (a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats tooth pulp and root conditions).

A professional dental cleaning every six months can lower your chances of developing gum disease. If you don’t have access to dental insurance or dental care, there may be resources in your area that can help.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers resources with information on community dental health centers, dental schools, or clinical trials that provide dental services, including cleanings.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, while periodontitis is a more severe form.

Both conditions share similar symptoms, like gum inflammation, but understanding the differences can help prevent irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.

Consider contacting a dentist if you notice signs of gum disease, such as swollen, red, bleeding gums or loose teeth.