Gingivitis

Gingivitis is when your gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis that isn't treated can cause serious tooth and gum problems such as periodontitis.

• Gingivitis is usually caused by not taking good care of your teeth

• Taking certain medicines or having certain diseases also can cause gingivitis

• Gingivitis is usually easily cured with good dental care

• Brushing and flossing your teeth well can help prevent gingivitis

Gingivitis

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Image provided by Jonathan A. Ship, DMD.

Almost all gingivitis is caused by plaque. Plaque is a sticky film full of germs that builds up on your teeth. The most common cause of too much plaque is:

• Not brushing or flossing your teeth well

Plaque that stays on your teeth for more than a few days becomes hard. Hard plaque is called tartar. You can't remove tartar completely by brushing and flossing.

You can also get gingivitis from:

• Taking certain medicines

• Hormonal changes (for example, because of pregnancy or menopause)

• Having an infection in your mouth

• An impacted tooth (a tooth that hasn’t fully broken through your gum)

Symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Red gums (rather than pink)

• Swollen gums

• Gums that bleed easily

Dentists will:

• Clean your teeth by scraping off the tartar and plaque

• Treat the cause of your gingivitis

You can help prevent gingivitis by:

• Brushing and flossing your teeth each day

• Using a mouthwash that helps lower plaque

• Getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist every 6 to 12 months, or more often if needed