{"id":8486,"date":"2025-12-25T21:20:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T21:20:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/gingivite-vs-parodontite-comment-differencier\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T23:16:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T23:16:02","slug":"gingivitis-vs-periodontitis-how-to-tell-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/gingivitis-vs-periodontitis-how-to-tell-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: How to Tell the Difference and Take Control (Periodontitis Montreal)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Bleeding gums when brushing, persistent bad breath, or red, tender gums are common signs of inflammation. Most often, this is <a href=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/general-dentistry\/gingival-graft\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>gingivitis<\/strong><\/a>\u2014an early and reversible stage. But when inflammation spreads below the gumline and affects the structures that support the <a href=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/maintaining-healthy-teeth-and-gums\/\">teeth<\/a>, it becomes <a href=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/general-dentistry\/periodontal-disease\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>periodontitis<\/strong><\/a>, which requires prompt care.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how to tell the difference, when a <strong>deep <a href=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/what-happens-during-dental-cleaning\/\">dental cleaning<\/a><\/strong> may be necessary, and a simple prevention routine\u2014especially if you\u2019re looking for care for <strong>periodontitis in Montreal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: The Clear Difference<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gingivitis:<\/strong> Gum inflammation caused mainly by plaque buildup. Bleeding, redness, swelling. <strong>No bone loss<\/strong>. Usually <strong>reversible<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Periodontitis:<\/strong> Inflammation plus infection affecting the supporting tissues. <strong>Gum pockets<\/strong>, possible <strong>bone loss<\/strong>, and tooth loosening. The goal is to <strong>stabilize<\/strong> the condition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more details, see our <strong>Periodontitis<\/strong> page (internal link).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Symptoms: What Stage Are You At?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Common signs of gingivitis<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bleeding during brushing or <a href=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/flossing-essential-for-your-oral-health\/\">flossing<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Red, sensitive, sometimes swollen gums<\/li>\n<li>Mild bad breath<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Signs more consistent with periodontitis<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bleeding that persists despite improved oral hygiene<\/li>\n<li>Strong or persistent bad breath \/ unpleasant taste<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gum recession<\/strong> (teeth look longer)<\/li>\n<li>Changes in spacing between teeth, food getting trapped<\/li>\n<li>Loose teeth or changes in your bite<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Do not ignore:<\/strong> pain when chewing, pus around the gums, or mobile teeth. In these cases, book a prompt <strong>dental exam<\/strong> (internal link: <strong>Dental Exam<\/strong>).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why Periodontitis Is More Serious<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Gingivitis is usually easy to reverse. Periodontitis, however, can lead to progressive bone loss and, over time, tooth loss. Research also shows associations between periodontal disease and conditions like diabetes (without always being a direct cause). Bottom line: earlier intervention is simpler and more effective.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Simple Self-Checks (2 Minutes)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>These don\u2019t replace professional care, but try them once a week:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Look at your gumline:<\/strong> Bright red, swollen, or easily bleeding?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Floss test:<\/strong> Bleeding repeatedly in the same area is a warning sign.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recession check:<\/strong> Compare gum height in photos taken weeks apart.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mobility:<\/strong> A tooth that feels loose or pressure discomfort isn\u2019t normal.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you notice multiple signs (especially bleeding plus recession), schedule a <strong>dental exam<\/strong>. Measuring gum pockets (periodontal probing) provides clarity.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignnone size-full wp-image-8477\" src=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite.png\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite.png\" alt=\"Gingivitis vs Periodontitis\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271536%27%20height%3D%271024%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201536%201024%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271536%27%20height%3D%271024%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite-200x133.png 200w, https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite-400x267.png 400w, https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite-800x533.png 800w, https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite-1200x800.png 1200w, https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gingivite-vs-parodontite.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Treatments: From Routine Cleaning to Deep Cleaning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>If it\u2019s gingivitis<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Treatment is usually straightforward:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dental cleaning<\/strong> (scaling) to remove plaque and tartar<\/li>\n<li>Oral hygiene adjustments (gentle brushing at the gumline + interdental cleaning)<\/li>\n<li>Reassessment if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>At this stage, a professional <strong>dental cleaning<\/strong> and a consistent routine often make a big difference (internal link: <strong>Dental Cleaning<\/strong>).<\/p>\n<p><strong>If it\u2019s periodontitis<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The goal is to reduce inflammation, decrease pocket depth, and prevent progression. Depending on severity, treatment may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Scaling and root planing<\/strong> (deep cleaning): removes tartar and bacteria <strong>below the gumline<\/strong> and smooths root surfaces to promote healing<\/li>\n<li>Local anesthesia if needed<\/li>\n<li>Closer maintenance follow-ups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>When is deep cleaning needed?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not based on guesswork. Dentists consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pocket depth<\/strong> measurements<\/li>\n<li>Bleeding during probing<\/li>\n<li>Subgingival tartar<\/li>\n<li>X-rays to assess bone support, when indicated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re searching for \u201c<strong>periodontitis Montreal<\/strong>,\u201d the condition may already be advanced\u2014an individualized plan can truly change the outcome.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A Realistic (and Effective) Prevention Routine<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Daily<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Brush <strong>twice a day for 2 minutes<\/strong> with a soft-bristled (or electric) toothbrush<\/li>\n<li>Focus on the <strong>gumline<\/strong>: 45\u00b0 angle, gentle motions\u2014don\u2019t scrub<\/li>\n<li>Clean <strong>between teeth once daily<\/strong>: floss or interdental brushes depending on spacing<\/li>\n<li>Brush your tongue (helps with breath)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Watch out for<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Smoking\/vaping:<\/strong> increases risk and can mask bleeding<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/xerostomia-dry-mouth\/\">Dry mouth<\/a>:<\/strong> stay hydrated and tell your dental team about medications<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clenching\/grinding:<\/strong> can worsen discomfort\u2014mention it during your exam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>In the clinic<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dental cleanings<\/strong> at the recommended frequency (often every 6 months; sometimes more often for higher risk)<\/li>\n<li>Regular <strong>dental exams<\/strong> to catch issues early and fine-tune your routine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Is it normal to bleed when I start flossing again?<\/strong><br \/>\nMild bleeding can happen initially if gums are inflamed. If it lasts more than a week, get it checked.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can periodontitis be cured?<\/strong><br \/>\nThe focus is usually on <strong>stabilization<\/strong>: reducing inflammation, controlling pockets, and maintaining results with home care and professional maintenance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can it come back after treatment?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes, if plaque and tartar return. Consistency at home and regular maintenance visits are key.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gingivitis<\/strong> is often the first warning\u2014and it\u2019s very treatable. <strong>Periodontitis<\/strong> requires more precise care, sometimes including <strong>deep cleaning<\/strong>. If you suspect periodontitis, the best first step is a <strong>dental exam<\/strong> for a clear diagnosis and a personalized plan.<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a professional diagnosis.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bleeding gums when brushing, persistent bad breath, or red, tender gums are common signs of inflammation. Most often, this is gingivitis\u2014an early and reversible stage. But when inflammation spreads below the gumline and affects the structures that support the teeth, it becomes periodontitis, which requires prompt care. Here\u2019s how to tell the difference, when a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8479,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"video","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[172],"tags":[173],"class_list":["post-8486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-video","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gingivite-vs-parodontite","tag-gingivite-vs-parodontite","post_format-post-format-video"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8486"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8486\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8479"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentisteriemontreal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}