Chronic gingivitis vs chronic periodontitis
Gingivitis inflames gums without attachment loss, while periodontitis also destroys the attachment and bone supporting teeth.
The short answer
Chronic gingivitis is inflammation without supporting attachment loss, while chronic periodontitis causes loss of attachment and alveolar bone around teeth.
What happens at the gum margin with gingivitis?
Gingivitis affects gum tissue at the tooth margin. Periodontitis creates deeper pockets where inflammation damages ligament fibers and bone.
What can you do to assess and manage gum inflammation?
Brush gently, clean between teeth, and arrange periodontal probing; treatment may include professional debridement or root planing.
When could gum symptoms require urgent dental assessment?
Seek care for persistent bleeding, recession, pus, loose teeth or chewing pain; fever, facial swelling, or trouble swallowing or breathing needs urgent assessment.
What should you ask about pockets and bone levels?
Ask what pocket depths and bone levels show, whether periodontal treatment is needed, and how each area should be cleaned.
Frequently asked questions
What is the next practical step?
Brush gently, clean between teeth, and arrange periodontal probing; treatment may include professional debridement or root planing.
When is urgent care needed?
Seek care for persistent bleeding, recession, pus, loose teeth or chewing pain; fever, facial swelling, or trouble swallowing or breathing needs urgent assessment.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.