Gingivitis is basically inflammation of the gums in response to an irritant. It can be mild, moderate or severe. All forms of gingivitis are generally reversible with improved oral hygiene and some interceptive treatment. The more advanced cases might require a gingivectomy, which is the surgical excision of the redundant tissue. Causes of gingivitis include lack of good oral hygiene, drug induced (side-effects), hormonal to name a few.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, involves bone loss. It too can be mild, moderate or severe. The worse the condition, generally the worse the prognosis. Bone-loss is non-reversible, at least not naturally. Surgical placement of synthetic bone to correct periodontal defects can be performed for moderate to severe cases.

Words of Wisdom: "Be True to your Teeth, or your Teeth will be False to You!!" (Anon).