What to do if i cannot tell if i have gingivitis or periodontis?

Ask a periodontist: A local periodontist (or dentist for that matter) can examine you and advise you if you just have gingivitis or the more advanced periodontitis. Either way you need professional evaluation and treatment.

Professional disgnos: The type of decision you need is from a highly skilled general dentist or a periodontist. After an appropriate exam and records, a diagnosis can be made along with treatment recommendation. Good luck!

Periodontitis or not: Gingivitis and periodontitis can both be insidious and present with bleeding gums as the only overt symptom. They both have the same beginning which is usually inadequate homecare. gingivitis shows bleeding gums that can be puffy. Periodontitis is where this bleeding and puffiness has not been addressed and progressed into loss of gum attachment, increased visible build up, odor, loose teeth etc

Periodontitis: The symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis are similar and you could not tell the difference without an examination. Periodontitis is the more advanced disease because it involves loosing the bone that supports the teeth.