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What are gingivitis and periodontitis? Our dentists explain more about these conditions.
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Periodontitis is a chronic disease that affects the gums and the supporting structures (jawbone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place). The inflammation usually begins as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), which persists over time. Chronic inflammation leads to jawbone loss, and in severe cases, loose teeth or tooth loss may occur.
Many patients wonder about the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis. Both are inflammations of the gums, but while gingivitis is temporary, periodontitis is a chronic gum disease that requires ongoing treatment to manage.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. If plaque (bacterial buildup) and tartar remain on the tooth surface for too long, they irritate the gums, causing inflammation. This manifests as swollen, red, and bleeding gums. This condition is common and can be easily resolved with good oral hygiene practices.
Periodontitis, on the other hand, is a gum disease involving inflammation of the gums and the jawbone around the teeth. This support system, called the periodontium, consists of the jawbone and ligaments that keep the teeth in place. Periodontitis is characterized by bleeding gums, shifting teeth, and, in the worst cases, loose teeth. The visible teeth may also appear longer as more of the tooth root is exposed due to receding bone and gum tissue. The disease often starts as harmless gingivitis, which can resolve without affecting the teeth themselves.
If gum inflammation persists for a long period, it can lead to inflammation of the periodontium (jawbone and ligaments). Jawbone loss creates gum pockets where tartar can accumulate, perpetuating inflammation if not removed. These pockets can become as deep as 10-12 mm, making them difficult to clean. Treatment often requires multiple visits to a dental hygienist or dentist for cleaning.
Once jawbone loss occurs, it doesn’t grow back, so the condition requires regular monitoring and treatment. Our goal is to help you manage the disease and prevent further tooth loss. With proper dental care guidance, we show you how to maintain oral hygiene. The aim of treatment is to prevent the disease from worsening, so tooth loss is avoided. Periodontitis can vary in severity, with progression ranging from slow to rapid.
If you are experiencing several of the gum disease symptoms described above, it's wise to start treatment as early as possible. Studies show that the sooner you begin treatment, the better your chances of avoiding tooth loss. Although the supporting structures of the teeth cannot grow back, with regular check-ups, tartar removal, and dedication to oral hygiene at home, you can stop the progression of attachment loss. The disease progresses in stages, and we will assess and inform you of the severity of your gum disease before creating a tailored treatment plan.
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Teeth Cleaning: The primary treatment involves removing tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. This can be done using instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device. In some cases, it may be beneficial to smooth the surfaces of the teeth and roots, making it easier to maintain cleanliness and reducing the buildup of tartar and bacteria.
Antibiotics: In certain cases, a course of antibiotics may be necessary to help control bacterial infections. This is only done if tartar removal alone is insufficient and a bacterial test reveals aggressive periodontitis bacteria.
If you have already been diagnosed with chronic marginal periodontitis: If you've received dental treatment elsewhere, we recommend bringing a copy of your dental records. You can obtain this by calling or emailing the clinic where you had your check-up and/or treatment. This helps us get a clear understanding of your dental history and prepare for your treatment.
