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Overview

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, often caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up around the teeth. It can make the gums red, swollen, tender or more likely to bleed. Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease and may improve or be reversed with appropriate care. It can affect both children and adults.

Symptoms

Gingivitis Symptoms

  • Bleeding during brushing or flossing (gingival bleeding)
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or sensitive gums
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Changes in the shape, color or firmness of the gums around the teeth
  • Gums that pull away from the teeth (gum recession)

Causes

What Causes Gingivitis?

Gingivitis usually begins when bacteria in plaque irritate the gum tissue. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, also called dental calculus, which cannot be fully removed with brushing and requires professional cleaning. Other factors can make the gums more vulnerable to inflammation.

  • Inadequate removal of plaque through brushing and cleaning between the teeth allows bacteria to remain along the gumline.
  • Tobacco exposure, including smoking and other tobacco products, can increase the risk of gum inflammation.
  • Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or other life stages can make gums more sensitive.
  • Dry mouth reduces saliva that helps clear food and bacteria from the mouth.
  • Poorly fitting dental appliances or restorations can trap plaque and irritate the gums.
  • Certain medicines or health conditions can increase the likelihood of dry mouth or gum inflammation.

Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Gingivitis

MODIFIABLE OR MANAGEABLE FACTORS

These include inconsistent oral hygiene, tobacco or vaping exposure, untreated dry mouth, and limited access to dental care. Improving daily plaque removal, avoiding tobacco, addressing dry mouth and finding affordable dental services when possible can reduce risk.

LESS-MODIFIABLE OR MEDICAL FACTORS

Diabetes, hormonal changes, increasing age, genetic susceptibility and medicines that cause dry mouth or affect gum tissue may raise the likelihood of inflammation. Managing these factors with a healthcare or dental professional can support healthier gums.

Complications

Gingivitis Complications

Untreated gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Progression is not inevitable, and early treatment can reverse gingivitis. Prompt attention is especially important when inflammation continues or symptoms become more severe.

  • Worsening gum recession can expose more of the tooth and make it sensitive.
  • Loose teeth may develop when the tissues and bone supporting them are damaged.
  • Tooth loss can occur in advanced periodontal disease.
  • Recurrent inflammation may return if plaque, tartar or contributing factors are not addressed.
  • Ongoing gum problems can make related oral health concerns more difficult to control.

Diagnosis

How Gingivitis Is Diagnosed

A dental professional usually diagnoses gingivitis during an examination. They check gum color, swelling, bleeding, plaque, tartar, gum recession and whether the teeth feel stable. The examination also helps determine whether inflammation is limited to the gums or may have progressed to periodontal disease.

  • The dental professional measures the spaces between the gums and teeth, called periodontal pockets, to look for deeper inflammation.
  • They review your medical history and medicines for conditions or treatments that may affect your gums or cause dry mouth.
  • Dental X-rays may be used when bone loss or another problem is suspected.
  • Findings from the examination and any tests help guide treatment and follow-up.

Treatment & Management

Gingivitis Treatment and Management

PROFESSIONAL CARE

A dental professional can remove plaque and tartar with a cleaning and recommend additional treatment when needed. They can also address contributing problems, such as poorly fitting restorations, dry mouth, tobacco use or a medical condition affecting gum health.

DAILY HOME CARE

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with floss or another recommended interdental cleaner. Continue these habits consistently after symptoms improve to reduce the chance of gingivitis returning.

Care tip

Keep cleaning gently and consistently

Inflamed gums may bleed when they are first cleaned, but this is not a reason to stop oral hygiene. Discuss persistent or heavy bleeding with a dental professional, who can check for gingivitis or another cause.

Prevention

How to Prevent Gingivitis

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between your teeth daily using floss or an interdental cleaner.
  • Attend dental visits as often as your dental professional recommends.
  • Avoid tobacco products and ask for support if stopping is difficult.
  • Replace your toothbrush when the bristles become worn.
  • Manage diabetes with guidance from your healthcare team.
  • Address dry mouth with professional guidance and adequate care.

Outlook and Prognosis

Outlook for Gingivitis

Gingivitis commonly improves and can be reversed when plaque and tartar are addressed. Without treatment, inflammation may recur or progress to periodontitis, which can cause lasting damage to the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Ongoing oral care and dental follow-up help protect the gums after they improve.

When Should You See a Doctor

When Should You See a Dentist for Gingivitis?

Seek prompt care

Know when symptoms need faster attention

Seek prompt dental care for severe pain, pus, facial swelling, fever, loose teeth, or trouble eating, swallowing or breathing. These signs may indicate an infection or advanced disease rather than simple gingivitis.

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