Gingivitis vs periodontitis: how gum disease differs
Health NZ describes gum disease as an inflammatory disease caused by plaque build-up. Gingivitis is the mild form and often goes unnoticed because it is not painful. Periodontitis is the destructive form, caused by untreated gingivitis. This guide compares the two with the source and date, and says a dentist should be seen if any sign of gingivitis appears.
Information only, compiled from the named sources. No dentist has reviewed it. The author is an SEO specialist, not a dental professional. It is not dental advice and does not recommend a clinic.
What is gum disease?
“Gum disease (periodontal disease), is an inflammatory disease caused by a build up of plaque on teeth.”
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
“There are 2 types of gum disease — gingivitis and periodontitis.”
| Form | Health NZ wording |
|---|---|
| Gingivitis | “Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It often goes unnoticed because it is not painful.” |
| Periodontitis | “Periodontitis affects the tissue around the roots of your teeth.” “If it is left untreated it can destroy the fibres and bones that hold your tooth in place.” |
What are the symptoms of gingivitis?
These lists cannot tell a reader whether they have gum disease.
“Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It often goes unnoticed because it is not painful.”
Health NZ lists these among its warning signs for gingivitis:
- “red, swollen, puffy or tender gums”
- “bright or dark red gums, or gums that are darker than usual”
- “bleeding while brushing or flossing”
- “bad breath.”
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Health NZ lists these possible signs of periodontitis:
- “receding gums, or gums that pull away from teeth”
- “loose teeth”
- “pus between the gum and tooth”
- “a change in the way teeth fit together when biting.”
What causes gingivitis and periodontitis?
“The most common cause of gingivitis is not looking after your teeth properly.”
“Periodontitis is the destructive form of gum disease. It is caused by untreated gingivitis.”
How can I prevent gum disease?
Health NZ’s prevention list for gingivitis:
- “brush your teeth twice a day”
- “floss at least once a day”
- “go to the dentist regularly”
- “reduce how much sugar you eat or drink.”
Health NZ’s separate prevention list for periodontitis:
- “brush your teeth twice a day”
- “floss every day”
- “use a mouth rinse to reduce plaque between your teeth”
- “get regular, professional dental cleanings”
- “do not smoke.”
| Appears on | Health NZ wording |
|---|---|
| Both lists | “brush your teeth twice a day” |
| Gingivitis list only | “floss at least once a day” “go to the dentist regularly” “reduce how much sugar you eat or drink.” |
| Periodontitis list only | “floss every day” “use a mouth rinse to reduce plaque between your teeth” “get regular, professional dental cleanings” “do not smoke.” |
When should I see a dentist about gum disease?
“If you notice any signs of gingivitis, you should visit you dentist as soon as possible.”
Health NZ gives this advice for gingivitis. Its page describes how a dentist diagnoses and treats periodontitis and does not give a separate timing instruction.
Related: dentist, periodontist and other dental scopes: who does what
How is gum disease treated?
For gingivitis, Health NZ says:
“Gingivitis does not cause tooth loss, but if left untreated it can develop into periodontitis.”
“It can take anywhere from days to weeks to reverse gingivitis, depending on how bad it is.”
Among the steps Health NZ says a dentist will take:
- “do professional dental cleaning”
For periodontitis, Health NZ says:
“Treatment can be done by either a dentist, or a periodontist (a dentist who specialises in gum disease). A dental hygienist or oral health therapist may also be involved in your treatment plan.”
“Depending on how severe or advanced your periodontitis is, you may need surgical treatment.”
These are Health NZ’s statements about what can happen. This guide cannot say what any person’s treatment would be.
Which Tauranga clinics state gum disease or periodontics on their own website?
13 of the 32 listed clinics with a single-clinic website state gum disease or periodontics on their own website (data checked 2026-09-30). Clinics on multi-branch group sites are not attributed by branch.
| Area | Listed clinics | State the service | Site not read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga | 24 | 5 | 10 |
| Bethlehem, Greerton and Pyes Pa | 11 | 2 | 4 |
| Mount Maunganui (small sample) | 8 | 2 | 4 |
| Papamoa | 10 | 3 | 4 |
| Te Puke (small sample) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Katikati, Omokoroa and Te Puna (small sample) | 4 | 1 | 3 |
A clinic counts as stating the service only when its own single-clinic website says so. A clinic on a group website, or without a website, is counted as unread. Unread is not a statement that the clinic declines the service.
Sources
- Gum disease, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, read on 2026-09-30.
This guide is information only and is not dental advice. It is compiled from the sources above. No dentist has reviewed it, and it does not recommend a clinic. The author is an SEO specialist, not a dental professional.