Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is the early form of gum disease, in which the gums are red, swollen, tender or bleed when brushing. The most common cause is soft plaque at the gum line. If it is not removed well enough, it can mineralise into tartar, which cannot be removed at home with an ordinary toothbrush.
If the inflammation is caught early enough, it can often be stopped with better oral hygiene and professional tartar removal. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease, in which the deeper tissues and the bone around the teeth are affected.
Book an examination if your gums bleed for several days in a row, are swollen, painful, receding, or you have bad breath that won’t go away.
How serious a problem is gum inflammation?
Gum inflammation, scientifically called gingivitis, is the early stage of periodontal disease. This condition develops from the build-up of bacteria-filled plaque at the gum line. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to the breakdown of the jawbone and tooth loss. It is essential to recognise the signs of gum inflammation and address them early to prevent this unwanted progression.
How do we recognise and treat inflamed gums?
Common symptoms of gum inflammation include red, swollen and bleeding gums, sore gums, sensitive teeth and bad breath. At OrthoDental we carry out a thorough examination that helps determine the degree of inflammation so we can recommend the best treatment methods. For milder forms, our treatment usually involves more frequent professional plaque removal and education on correct oral hygiene.
Why does gum inflammation develop?
The main reason for inflamed gums is poor oral hygiene, which allows bacterial plaque to accumulate along the gums. Other factors that can contribute include smoking, diabetes, certain medications, hormonal changes and genetic predisposition.
Poor oral hygiene as the main cause
The most fundamental measure for healthy gums is maintaining regular, effective oral hygiene. This includes daily brushing, cleaning with an interdental brush and flossing, using mouthwash and regular dental visits for professional cleaning.
The influence of other factors on gum health
Besides oral hygiene, other factors can affect inflamed gums. These include a diet rich in sugar and acids, which can cause greater plaque build-up, and smoking, which reduces blood flow to the gums and can speed up the progression of periodontal disease.
How to recognise inflamed gums or gingivitis
Gum inflammation can go undetected for a long time. The signs can be subtle, but it is important not to overlook them. Typical symptoms include swelling, redness and tenderness of the gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, bad breath and, in some cases, receding gums. We advise you not to delay a dental visit when these symptoms appear, as early treatment can prevent more serious complications and restore healthy gums.
Signs and symptoms of gum inflammation
Recognising the early signs and symptoms of gum inflammation or gingivitis is key to timely, effective treatment. The most common symptoms include:
- Redness and swelling: Red gums that are swollen and soft to the touch, often one of the first signs of inflammation.
- Bleeding when brushing, using an interdental brush or flossing: A common symptom that indicates inflammation and gum sensitivity.
- Sensitivity: An inflamed gum is tender to the touch and you may feel pain or discomfort in the mouth.
- Bad breath: The build-up of bacteria and pus can lead to bad breath.
- Receding gums: Long-lasting inflammation can cause the gums to recede from the teeth.
- Changes in bite: Gum inflammation can affect how the teeth meet, causing changes in the bite.
- Pus around the teeth: In severe cases, pus can appear between the tooth and the gum.
Good oral hygiene at home
While professional treatment plays a key role in managing gum inflammation, daily home care and good oral hygiene are equally important. At OrthoDental we advise using a soft toothbrush that keeps gums healthy without damage. It is also important to floss and use an interdental brush regularly to remove plaque. We also stress the importance of regular rinsing with mouthwash, which can help reduce bacteria, plaque and inflammation.
When should you visit the dentist?
A dental visit is essential whenever bleeding gums appear or the symptoms of gum disease become more pronounced. In such cases the dentist can carry out a more thorough examination, remove plaque and determine whether additional procedures are needed, such as medication or, in some cases, surgery. Early detection and treatment can prevent further complications and help maintain oral health.
Key tips to prevent gingivitis
Preventing gum inflammation starts with regular, correct oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle.
- Regular brushing and flossing: Daily brushing with a soft toothbrush at least twice a day and flossing once a day removes bacterial plaque, the main cause of gum inflammation.
- Using mouthwash: Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and keep gums healthy.
- A balanced diet: Reduce your intake of sugars and acids that contribute to plaque and gum inflammation, and include more fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Avoiding tobacco: Smoking and tobacco use are strongly linked to an increased risk of gum inflammation.
Regular dental check-ups and tartar removal
Regular dental check-ups are key to detecting and preventing gum inflammation early. The dentist can carry out professional cleaning that removes tartar which has built up below the gum line. This cleaning is essential, as home brushing cannot remove stubborn tartar.
A holistic approach to treatment and prevention
A holistic approach to treating and preventing gum inflammation combines regular oral hygiene, a healthy lifestyle and professional dental care. This combination helps ensure the best possible results for the long-term health of your gums and teeth.
Frequently asked questions about gum inflammation
What is gum inflammation?
Gum inflammation is a condition in which the gums are irritated, red, swollen, tender or bleeding. It most often develops from plaque and tartar at the gum line.
Is gum inflammation dangerous?
In its early stage, gum inflammation can often be stopped if we act in time. If untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease, which affects the deeper tissues and can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.
Why do my gums bleed when brushing?
Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation from plaque or tartar. This does not mean you should stop brushing. It is important to clean the teeth and gum line gently but thoroughly, and to book an examination if the bleeding recurs.
What helps with gum inflammation?
Careful oral hygiene, daily interdental cleaning, using a soft toothbrush and professional tartar removal all help. If the inflammation is more severe or recurring, an examination by a dentist or oral hygienist is needed.
Can I cure gum inflammation at home?
For milder inflammation, correct home hygiene can help a great deal. However, if tartar is present, you cannot remove it yourself at home – professional cleaning is then required.
How long does it take for gum inflammation to settle?
This depends on the cause and degree of inflammation. For milder inflammation from plaque, once hygiene improves, the condition can begin to settle within a few days to a few weeks. If tartar or advanced gum disease is present, professional treatment is required.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis usually mainly affects the gums. Periodontal disease affects the deeper tissues and bone that hold the tooth. Periodontitis is therefore a more serious condition and requires more in-depth treatment.
Does mouthwash help with gum inflammation?
Mouthwash can be an addition to hygiene, but it does not replace brushing and interdental cleaning. If there is plaque or tartar on the teeth, mouthwash cannot remove it.
Can tartar cause gum inflammation?
Yes. Tartar builds up at the gum line and irritates the tissue. Because you cannot remove it at home with a toothbrush, professional cleaning is required.
Does gum inflammation hurt?
Gum inflammation is not always painful. It often starts with bleeding, redness or swelling without strong pain. If pain, swelling or pus appears, an examination is needed.
Can pregnancy cause gum inflammation?
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can increase gum sensitivity and the chance of bleeding. Careful oral hygiene and regular preventive check-ups are therefore especially important during pregnancy.
How do I prevent gum inflammation?
The easiest way to prevent gum inflammation is with regular brushing, daily interdental cleaning, correct use of interdental brushes, regular check-ups and professional tartar removal.
Avtor prispevka
Gordana Čižmek
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