What causes gingivitis and periodontitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue from plaque, while periodontitis is gum and supporting-bone destruction that can follow untreated inflammat...
The short answer
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue from plaque, while periodontitis is gum and supporting-bone destruction that can follow untreated inflammation.
How does plaque begin gingival inflammation?
Gingivitis begins when plaque bacteria irritate the gingival margin. Periodontitis develops when inflammation extends into the periodontal tissues and causes attachment and bone loss.
What can you do to reduce gum inflammation now?
Brush twice daily with a soft brush, clean between teeth, and arrange an examination if bleeding or swelling persists. A dentist may measure pocket depths, assess attachment, and take radiographs when bone loss is suspected.
When do gum symptoms need dental assessment?
Seek care for persistent bleeding, bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, pus, or pain when chewing. Facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing needs urgent dental assessment.
What should your dentist check to distinguish them?
Ask whether the findings are gingivitis or periodontitis, whether pocket measurements or radiographs are needed, and which areas need professional plaque or calculus removal.
Frequently asked questions
Could this problem have more than one cause?
Gingivitis begins when plaque bacteria irritate the gingival margin. Periodontitis develops when inflammation extends into the periodontal tissues and causes attachment and bone loss.
What should you do first when gums bleed or swell?
Brush twice daily with a soft brush, clean between teeth, and arrange an examination if bleeding or swelling persists. A dentist may measure pocket depths, assess attachment, and take radiographs when bone loss is suspected.
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.