It sounds similar, they both have “itis”, but they are not the same thing. Gingivitis is a condition that affects only the gum around a tooth. Periodontitis is a process that affects the supporting structures around a tooth. This includes bone, fibres that hold the tooth to bone, and the gum.

Periodontitis is driven by a defence mechanism from your immune system due to a build up of bacteria in the gums.

The symptoms of periodontitis can vary from one individual to another. Whilst some patients may not experience any pain, bleeding or discomfort there may be others who experience severe pain, bleeding and discomfort. It is a condition that requires a careful analysis of each individual gum around each individual tooth to diagnose.

Depending on the severity of Periodontitis you may need urgent care to prevent the progression of the condition. The end stage of Periodontitis results in tooth loss. Furthermore, due to inflammation and bacterial infection there are links to more severe medical conditions beyond the oral cavity including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases & rheumatoid arthritis.