Gingivitis vs periodontitis — the two stages of gum disease
Both stages can cause bleeding gums, so patients often do not know which they have. Measuring gum pockets and checking X-rays tells the difference.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without bone loss and is fully reversible with professional cleaning and better home care. Periodontitis is the advanced stage, where the bone supporting the teeth is lost; it can be stabilised with deep cleaning and maintenance, but lost bone does not regrow by itself.
Key facts
- Gingivitis: reversible, no bone loss
- Periodontitis: bone loss, stabilised not reversed
- Pocket measurement + X-rays diagnose
- Maintenance prevents progression
Gingivitis
Red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing. Treatment: a professional clean and improved brushing and interdental cleaning.
Periodontitis
Deeper pockets, receding gums, bad breath and teeth that may feel loose. Treatment: deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and regular maintenance.
Why it matters
Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and is linked with diabetes control; early treatment protects teeth and implants.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis — red, bleeding gums — and can progress to periodontitis, where bone support is lost and teeth loosen. Early treatment stops the progression.
Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Fariba Alnoory
This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.
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Patients visit us from Al Safa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz, City Walk, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai and Al Barsha — and from Sharjah and the wider UAE.
Can gingivitis turn into periodontitis?
Yes, if plaque and inflammation are left untreated.
Can periodontitis be cured?
It can be stabilised and controlled; ongoing maintenance is needed.
Do I need deep cleaning for gingivitis?
Usually not — a routine professional clean is enough.
Is periodontitis linked to diabetes?
Yes, each can make the other harder to control.
Where can I get gingivitis vs periodontitis in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center, Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai, UAE, with Dr. Fariba Alnoory (General Dentist). Book by phone, WhatsApp or the form on this page.
Which doctor should I see?
Dr. Fariba Alnoory (General Dentist) at Manhal Medical Center.
How do I book an appointment?
Use the form on this page, call +971 4 328 4560, or WhatsApp +971 52 987 2411. Our team will match you with the right doctor.
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Where can I get gingivitis treated in Dubai?
General dentist Dr. Fariba Alnoory treats gingivitis at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, usually with professional scaling and polishing and a personalised home-care routine. Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease, so treating it promptly can return gums to health. Bleeding when brushing is the most common sign.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without bone loss and is reversible, while periodontitis involves loss of the bone and attachment around teeth, as Dr. Fariba Alnoory at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai explains. Periodontitis can be controlled but lost bone does not usually return. Gum measurements and X-rays tell the two apart.
How quickly does gingivitis go away with treatment?
With professional cleaning and good daily brushing and interdental cleaning, gums often improve within a couple of weeks, and Dr. Fariba Alnoory at Manhal Medical Center in Dubai reviews them to confirm. Bleeding may briefly increase when you start cleaning properly. Persistent bleeding, recession or loose teeth suggest the disease may be more advanced.
Where can I get gingivitis vs periodontitis in Dubai?
At Manhal Medical Center, Office 101, SMJ1 Building, Street 22A, Al Safa 1, Dubai — between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, with Dr. Fariba Alnoory (General Dentist). Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without bone loss and is fully reversible with professional cleaning and better home care. Periodontitis is the advanced stage, where the bone supporting the teeth is lost; it can be stabilised with deep cleaning and maintenance, but lost bone does not regrow by itself.
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I had an excellent experience with Dr. Fariba. She is an amazing dentist—very professional, gentle, and caring. She took the time to explain every step of the treatment and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the procedure. Her clinic is clean, modern, and welcoming, and her staff are always friendly and helpful. I'm very happy with the results and truly appreciate her attention to detail. I highly recommend Dr. Fariba to anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate dentistDr Fariba is the one dentist I keep going back to, because she is honest, kind, gives advice on making teeth last…Like many people, I don't enjoy the dentist. For many years I avoided visits out of fear. I found Manhal 15 years ago, and he is a wonderful dentist. Calming presence. Excellent implantology as well as other dental work. I have recommended him personally to many friends, and will continue to do so. I just hope he doesn't ever retire. When I have been overseas with dental problems, I have flown back to Dubai specifically to see him. Could not imagine ever going to another dentist.
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Dr. Fariba Alnoory
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