On this page · 6 sections
01Why it matters
Gingivitis is common, and because it often does not hurt, many people ignore it. At this stage, the bone that holds your teeth has not been damaged. That is why it can usually be reversed. Left alone, though, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can damage that bone and lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.
Healthy gums are firm, pink, and do not bleed during normal brushing. Bleeding gums are not normal, even when they do not hurt.
Text version of this infographic
Healthy gums fit snugly around the tooth. Gingivitis is the first stage: red, puffy gums that may bleed, and it can usually be reversed. Periodontitis is advanced gum disease that damages the gums and bone. Without treatment, teeth can loosen and be lost.
02Signs and causes
Watch for:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Gums that look puffy or shiny rather than firm.
- Bad breath that does not go away.
The main cause is plaque that is not removed every day. When plaque stays on the teeth, it hardens into tartar, which brushing cannot remove and which irritates the gums further. Smoking or other tobacco use and diabetes raise your risk. So do hormone changes during pregnancy, medicines that dry the mouth, and crowded teeth that are harder to clean.
The dentist or hygienist confirms gingivitis during an exam. They look at your gums and gently measure the space between the gums and teeth.
03What happens
Treatment for gingivitis is usually simple. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline. The dental team then shows you how to brush and floss in a way that reaches the areas you may be missing.
Many people see their gums improve within a couple of weeks of consistent care at home. If the exam shows signs of deeper disease, the dentist will explain what further treatment may be needed.
04Cost factors
What treatment costs depends on:
- Whether a routine cleaning is enough or a deeper cleaning is needed.
- How much tartar has built up and how many areas of the mouth are affected.
- Your dental insurance plan. Many plans include routine cleanings and exams, so call the office to check yours.
- Whether you choose to use CareCredit, which the office accepts, for treatment beyond routine care.
05How to prevent it
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles toward the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
- Avoid tobacco and nicotine products.
- If you have diabetes, work with your physician to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
- Keep regular checkups and cleanings so tartar is removed before it causes problems.
If your gums bleed regularly, do not stop brushing or flossing those areas. Gentle, consistent cleaning is what helps them heal.
Noticing bleeding gums? See our gum disease treatment page.
06Questions people ask
Can gingivitis go away on its own?
Not usually without a change in habits. It typically clears up when plaque is removed every day and tartar is cleaned off by a dental professional. If you keep brushing and flossing well after a cleaning, your gums often improve within a couple of weeks.
Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I floss?
Light bleeding when you first start flossing can happen, but gums that bleed regularly are a common sign of gingivitis. If bleeding continues after a week or two of daily flossing, schedule a checkup so the dentist can take a look.
How is gingivitis different from periodontitis?
Gingivitis affects only the gums and can usually be reversed. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage in which the infection damages the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. That damage cannot be fully undone, but treatment can help control it.
Dr. Sadek is the family dentist at Americana Family Dental on Americana Blvd in Orlando. He reviews the health information on this site. Review date: [date pending review]