Dental Health Dental Conditions Warning Signs of Gingivitis By Shawn Watson Shawn Watson is an orthodontic dental assistant and writer with over 10 years of experience working in the field of dentistry. Learn about our editorial process Shawn Watson Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS on November 23, 2019 Edmund Khoo, DDS, is board-certified in orthodontics and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Learn about our Medical Review Board Edmund Khoo, DDS on November 23, 2019 Print Musketeer/Getty Images Too often, many people ignore the early signs and symptoms of gum disease, which is also known commonly as gingivitis, simply because they do not know what gingivitis is and thus do not recognize the signs. The statistics regarding gum disease are shockingly high. In fact, gum disease, or gingivitis, plagues around 75% of all adult Americans, and it has also been connected to some serious diseases such as heart disease and stroke. It is important to learn how to recognize the signs of gingivitis, along with ways to halt and prevent it from developing and progressing into a more serious form of gum disease. What Is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease affecting only the attached and free gingival tissue that surrounds your teeth. Bacteria that invades the area below your gumline, which is known as the sulcus or periodontal pocket, causes gingivitis to develop and eventually manifest into periodontitis, if left untreated. Causes and Warning Signs The early warning signs of gingivitis are often mistaken as normal occurrences one should expect when it comes to the mouth. Symptoms of gingivitis include: Bad breathRed, puffy, and inflamed gumsBleeding after brushing and flossing There are several causes of gingivitis and typically include: Improper or infrequent brushing and flossingTrapped plaque in hard to reach places, such as around the wisdom teeth, above and below orthodontic bands and brackets, or fixed appliancesTeeth that are crooked or overlap each otherCertain medications that cause xerostomia or gingival enlargementTobacco useConditions such as diabetes may cause gingivitisPregnancy and oral contraceptives Book an Appointment With a Dentist Even though you may recognize these early warning signs as gingivitis, it is important that you book an appointment with your dentist for a checkup. Why? There is a fine line between gingivitis and periodontitis. It is important to note that gingivitis is a reversible condition that is treated with professional cleanings to remove plaque and calculus build-up, along with regular home maintenance that may include a prescribed antibacterial mouth rinse known as chlorhexidine gluconate. Your dentist is able to confirm the extent of your gum disease and plan proper treatment accordingly. However, if left untreated or improperly treated, gingivitis will develop and progress into periodontitis, which, unlike gingivitis, is irreversible and often leads to tooth loss. Obtaining regular dental check-ups will help keep gum disease under control or eliminated completely. If you are concerned about gingivitis, be sure to speak with your dentist or dental hygienist about the issue at your next dental appointment. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The American Dental Association. Periodontal (Gum) Diseases