What is the Difference Between Periodontitis and Gingivitis?
Gingivitis occurs before periodontitis. Gingivitis usually refers to inflammation of your gums, while periodontitis refers to gum disease and the destruction of tissue and/or bone. Initially, with gingivitis, bacteria plaque accumulates on the surface of the tooth, causing the gums to go red and inflamed, your teeth may bleed when brushing them. Even though the gums are irritated and bothersome, your the teeth are not loose. There is no irreversible damage to bone or surrounding tissue. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.