Gingivitis is when your gums become inflamed, often showing as red, swollen, and sensitive areas that bleed when you brush or floss. It’s usually due to plaque buildup from not caring for your teeth well enough, but things like poor nutrition, health issues, and certain medications can also contribute to it.
This condition is the initial phase of gum disease, known as periodontal disease, which affects both your gums and the bones supporting your teeth. It’s a common issue that people of all ages face, becoming especially prevalent during adolescence. By the time people reach adulthood, almost half have some form of gum disease, including gingivitis.
You can detect gingivitis during a dental check-up, and it can be reversed with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene habits. Healthy gums are usually pink or may have a darker pigment depending on your skin tone, and they’re firm without any bleeding.
Gingivitis often stems from plaque on your teeth above and below the gums. Plaque is essentially a sticky layer made of bacteria, mucus, and leftover food. Without regular cleaning, it can harden, leading to gum irritation and inflammation. Besides poor oral hygiene, there are other oral factors that can make removing plaque harder, hence causing gingivitis. Plus, conditions that aren’t directly related to the mouth might also influence how your gums react to plaque, leading to this condition.
Plaque-induced gingivitis is more common than all other types of gingivitis combined. But gingivitis can also result from things like allergies and genetic conditions that result in gum overgrowth. Several factors can increase your risk of developing it.
Dentists diagnose gingivitis by examining your symptoms and checking your mouth for redness, bleeding, and swelling. Sometimes, a periodontal probe, which is like a dental ruler, might be used to measure the spaces between your teeth and gums to see the extent of gum disease. Gums that bleed when gently touched with this tool are another indicator of gingivitis.
X-rays may be necessary if there’s a need to see if the disease has progressed beyond your gums. Treating gingivitis involves removing plaque and tartar to reduce inflammation and stop the disease from advancing.
If gingivitis is caused by health conditions or medications, discuss treatment options or medication adjustments with a healthcare provider. Maintaining healthy gums involves regular dental visits and good oral care at home.
If not treated, gingivitis can turn into more severe forms of gum disease, such as periodontitis, where teeth pull away from gums, creating pockets that harbor bacteria and infections. Other complications can also occur, and there’s always a chance that gingivitis might return.
The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. With professional care and regular cleaning, symptoms like bleeding and tenderness should clear up in about a week or two. Rinsing with warm salt water can also help with swelling. Most people who practice good oral hygiene can prevent the recurrence of gingivitis.
If left unchecked, gingivitis can lead to serious gum disease and other issues. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain your oral health or address any underlying causes. A dental professional can offer tips on the best brushes, mouthwash, and techniques for brushing and flossing to keep your teeth and gums in great shape.
While you can manage mild gingivitis at home with brushing and flossing, it’s ideal to have a professional clean those hard-to-reach areas with special tools to avoid progression to severe gum disease. With professional cleaning and good hygiene, you should notice improvements within one to two weeks.
Staying hydrated is key for oral health as it helps flush away food particles and bacteria that can lead to gingivitis, but it’s not a treatment. Be gentle when brushing to avoid irritating the gums, using a soft-bristled toothbrush in small, circular motions to effectively remove plaque.
