People may generally refer to this as gum disease. Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease and typically produces mild symptoms. There are two main types of gingivitis. Dental plaque-induced gingivitis occursTrusted Source when plaque buildup irritates a person’s gums, resulting in inflammation, discoloration, and pain.

In contrast, nonplaque-induced gingival lesions can result from a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Allergic reactions, illnesses, and reactions to foreign bodiesTrusted Source, such as dental prophylaxis paste particles, may also cause this type of gingivitis. Both types of gingivitis can progress to periodontitis if a person does not treat them adequately. Periodontitis is a more severe condition and can lead to further complications, such as loss of teeth.

Causes Of Gingivitis

The most common cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of bacterial plaque between and around the teeth. Dental plaque is a biofilm that accumulates naturally on the teeth. It occurs when bacteria attach to the smooth surface of a tooth.

This plaque can harden into calculus, or tartar, near the gums at the base of the teeth. This has a yellow-white color. Only dental professionals can remove calculus.

Buildup of plaque and tartar can trigger immune responses that lead to gingival or gum tissue destruction. Eventually, it may lead to further complications, including the loss of teeth.

Learn more about the differences between plaque and tartar here.

Other causes and risk factors

• Changes in hormones: This may occur during puberty, menopause, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. The gums may become more sensitive, raising the risk of inflammation.
• Some diseases: Cancer, diabetes, and HIV have links to a higher risk of gingivitis.
• Drugs: Medications that reduce saliva production can impact a person’s oral health. Dilantin, an epilepsy medication, and angina drugs can also cause abnormal growth of gum tissue, increasing the risk of inflammation.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) has a strong link to gingivitis, as do deficiencies in vitamin D and vitamin B12.
• Smoking: Regular smokers more commonlyTrusted Source develop gingivitis than nonsmokers.
• Age: The risk of gingivitis increases with age.
• Family history: Those whose parent or parents have had gingivitis have a higher risk of developing it too.

Signs And Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

• gum inflammation and discoloration
• tender gums that may be painful to the touch
• bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing
• halitosis, or bad breath
• receding gums
• soft gums

However, in mild cases of gingivitis, there may be no discomfort or noticeable symptoms.

How To Diagnose Gingivitis

A dentist or oral hygienist will check for symptoms, such as plaque and tartar in the oral cavity. They may also order tests to check for signs of periodontitis. This can be done by X-ray or periodontal probing using an instrument that measures pocket depths around a tooth.

Treatment

If symptoms do not resolve or the condition affects a person’s quality of life, they may wish to seek professional help.

Treatment often involves care by a dental professional and follow-up procedures that the patient carries out at home.

Professional dental care

A dental professional may initially carry out scaling. This is so they can remove excess plaque and tartar. This can be uncomfortable, especially if the tartar buildup is extensive or the gums are sensitive.

Once they have cleaned a person’s teeth, the dental professional will explain the importance of oral hygiene and how to brush and floss effectively.

They may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor a person’s plaque and tartar. This will allow the dental professional to catch and treat any recurrences quickly.

Fixing any damaged teeth also contributes to oral hygiene. Some dental problems, such as crooked teeth, badly fitted crowns, or bridges, may make it harder to remove plaque and tartar properly. They can also irritate the gums.

Prevention

A person may be able to prevent gingivitis at home by practicing regular good oral hygiene. This includes:

• Brushing teeth at least twice a day
• Using an electric toothbrush
• Flossing teeth at least once a day
• Regularly rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash

Gingivitis is a common type of gum disease. It is the result of bacterial buildup on the teeth. This buildup irritates surrounding gum tissue and can cause the gums to become inflamed, discolored, and painful to the touch.

Most people can treat gingivitis with regular good oral hygiene practices. Regular dental checkups can help to identify signs of gum disease and treat them in good time.