{"id":125,"date":"2026-09-24T19:17:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T19:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emadentalwestfield.com\/blog\/gingivitis-and-periodontitis-what-is-the-difference\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T19:17:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T19:17:10","slug":"gingivitis-and-periodontitis-what-is-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emadentalwestfield.com\/blog\/gingivitis-and-periodontitis-what-is-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What Makes Them Different?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Most people don\u2019t know the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis<\/a>. These two terms may be commonly used in a dentist\u2019s office, but unlikely anywhere else. Of course, that doesn\u2019t help when you notice your gums bleeding while you brush your teeth. These stages of gum disease are different, but if you don\u2019t catch one early, you\u2019ll soon deal with the effects of the other. Learn the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis so your oral health stays on track.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Gingivitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease with symptoms that, if caught early, can be reversed. Sensitive, bleeding gums are common, but you can manage and even stop them before they become more serious. Other symptoms you might experience include dark, red, and tender gums, and bad breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that 3 out of 4 adults have experienced gingivitis at some point in their life, but if left untreated, it can worsen, resulting in periodontitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re worried because you\u2019ve noticed a tinge of blood on your toothbrush, you can step up your oral hygiene routine by brushing gently and angling your brush toward your gums. This removes plaque around the gumline. Inflammation is likely, but it will improve after a few days with diligent care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular dental cleanings are also important, as dentists have the instruments and imaging devices to monitor and check for signs of gum disease at any stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Periodontitis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Periodontitis occurs in stages but is a more advanced form of gum disease. This happens when the bacterial infection targets the gum tissue and bone, putting your teeth at risk of falling out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you ignore symptoms of gingivitis, other symptoms will occur, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n