Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: Warning Signs and When to See a Periodontist in Barcelona

The gums are the natural support for the teeth and play a fundamental role in oral stability and health. However, we don’t always give them the attention they deserve.

Inflammation, bleeding, or recession are early signs that something isn’t right and may be the first indication of periodontal disease.

Healthy gums are essential to keep your teeth

At Clínica Blasi in Barcelona, we address gum diseases with an advanced clinical and preventive approach. Our team of specialists in periodontics diagnoses and treats both gingivitis and periodontitis, two conditions that are related but have very different causes and consequences.

What gingivitis is

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It occurs when bacterial plaque accumulates between the teeth and gums, causing inflammation and bleeding during brushing.

In this phase, the damage affects only the soft tissues — the gums — and is reversible if treated in time. There is no bone loss, but redness and bleeding are warning signs that should not be ignored.

Common symptoms of gingivitis

• Red, swollen, or tender gums.
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Sensation of pressure or discomfort between the teeth.

Treatment consists of removing plaque and tartar through a professional dental cleaning and improving daily brushing technique. With early diagnosis, the gums can return to their natural state within a few weeks.

What periodontitis is

When gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation progresses and becomes periodontitis, a disease that affects the supporting tissues of the tooth (gum, periodontal ligament, and bone).

At this point, bone loss is already present, and if left untreated, it can cause tooth mobility and even the eventual loss of teeth.

Periodontitis does not heal on its own: it requires specialized treatment to remove the bacteria accumulated beneath the gum and stop bone destruction.

Signs of periodontitis

• Receding gums exposing part of the tooth root.
• Spaces opening between the teeth.
• Teeth appearing “longer”.
• Tooth mobility.
• Persistent pain or inflammation in a specific area.

At Clínica Blasi, treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis through periodontal probing and X-rays. Depending on the stage of the disease, we perform anything from root planing and scaling (subgingival instrumentation) to minimally invasive or regenerative periodontal surgery, always aiming to preserve natural teeth.

Key differences between gingivitis and periodontitis

Recognizing the differences is essential to detect the disease early and avoid irreversible consequences.

When to see a periodontist

Many people go to the dentist only when they notice discomfort or bleeding, but periodontal disease can progress silently for years.

A periodontal assessment is recommended when:

• There is frequent gum bleeding.
• Gum recession or tooth mobility is noticeable.
• Bad breath persists despite proper hygiene.
• There is a sensation of swollen gums or pain when chewing.
• There is a family history of periodontal disease.

At Clínica Blasi, we recommend an annual periodontal check-up from the age of 30, or earlier if risk factors such as smoking, stress, or diabetes are present.

How periodontal disease is treated at Clínica Blasi

Our team approaches periodontics with an integral methodology: precise diagnosis, clinical treatment, and preventive follow-up.

1. Initial evaluation: clinical and radiographic study plus measurement of periodontal pockets.
2. Non-surgical treatment: root planing and scaling under local anesthesia to remove subgingival plaque and calculus.
3. Surgical treatment (if necessary): direct access to the roots and, in some cases, bone regeneration using biomaterials.
4. Maintenance phase: periodic check-ups and specific cleanings to maintain tissue stability and prevent relapse.

The goal is to stop disease progression, preserve natural teeth, and restore health and aesthetics to the gums.

Prevention: the best defense against periodontitis

Prevention is the most effective tool against periodontal disease. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups prevents gingivitis from progressing.

Key points include:

• Brushing after every meal with a soft toothbrush.
• Daily use of dental floss or interdental brushes.
• Antiseptic mouthwash as recommended by a professional.
• Professional cleaning every six months.
• Avoid smoking and control systemic factors such as diabetes.

Advanced periodontics in Barcelona

At Clínica Blasi, our periodontics team combines clinical expertise, digital diagnostics, and minimally invasive techniques to treat and control gum diseases.

We work with a personalized approach, explaining each step to the patient and offering solutions that balance health, function, and aesthetics.

If you notice bleeding, inflammation, or any change in your gums, now is the time to act. Early detection makes the difference between a reversible gingivitis and a periodontitis that may compromise your teeth.