What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque on the tooth’s surface. It causes non-destructive inflammation of the gums but, if left untreated, can progress to a more serious form of the disease called periodontitis. Regular oral hygiene, including periodic visits to the dentist, is the best means of prevention.

Studies suggest that more than half of adults in the United States have gingivitis. Because of this, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and to seek treatment to protect your teeth and overall health.

The article details the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of gingivitis and what you can do to avoid this all-too-common form of gum disease.

Symptoms

Gingivitis is characterized by gum inflammation. The early warning signs are often dismissed as a “natural” part of aging, with some people only taking action when serious symptoms develop.

According to the American Dental Association, common symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Possible gum tenderness
• Bleeding after brushing and flossing
• A sticky film on your teeth (plaque) 
• A crusty deposit on your teeth (tartar)
• Bad breath

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that can cause the irreversible destruction of bone and the recession (pulling back) of the gums.

Advanced untreated gum disease can lead to tooth pain or sensitivity, loose teeth, changes in your bite, tooth loss, and local infections that can become systemic (affecting other tissues or organs).

Causes

Gingivitis is most commonly caused by bacterial plaque. The persistent presence of bacteria around the teeth triggers an inflammatory response by the immune system, causing the gums to swell and turn red.

Risk factors for gingivitis include:

• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Poor oral hygiene
• Stress
• Crooked teeth
• Defective fillings
• Dental bridges that don’t fit properly
• Taking medications that cause dry mouth (including blood thinners, calcium channel blockers, and phenytoin)
  
• Changes in female hormones, such as caused by pregnancy or birth control
• Vitamin A and C deficiencies
  
• Underlying immunodeficiency, such as HIV
  

Diagnosis

Gingivitis is diagnosed with a comprehensive dental exam. This not only involves dental X-rays and an inspection of your teeth and gums but also a review of your medical and dental history. The exam may be performed by a dentist or a dental hygienist, but the interpretation of the results are ultimately done by a dentist.

During the exam, each tooth is inspected, and a score of 0 to 3 is given for each of four tooth surfaces: distal (back-side), buccal (cheek-side), lingual (tongue-side), and mesial (front-side). The scores are then averaged to give each tooth a single score.

The scores are based on the gingival index (GI) which classifies the quality of the gums, as follows:

• 0: Normal
• 1: Mild inflammation with no bleeding on inspection
• 2: Moderate inflammation with bleeding on inspection
• 3: Severe inflammation with spontaneous bleeding and ulcers

After a treatment plan is decided upon, regular follow-up visits should be scheduled to see if your condition has improved, is stable, or has progressed (worsened).

Treatment

The primary treatment of gingivitis is the removal of plaque and tartar. This is performed in the dental office with different instruments, including picks and scalers.

After the dental cleaning, you can keep plaque under control with regular brushing and flossing. Curbing or quitting tobacco use can also help.

Your dental professional may recommend chlorhexidine mouthwashes in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Despite what some people might tell you, "stronger" chlorhexidine mouthwashes work no better than less concentrated formulations and may only increase the risk of mouth irritation and tooth staining.

If the drugs you take contribute to your gingivitis, you may need to speak with your primary care doctor about medication adjustments. Additionally, they may prescribe a supplement if you have a vitamin deficiency.

Certain herbal remedies can also reduce gum inflammation caused by gingivitis, including tea, chamomile, and pomegranate.

Prognosis

Unlike periodontitis, the symptoms of gingivitis are fully reversible. If identified and treated properly, the affected tissues can return to normal once the plaque is removed. Routine dental care by a dentist is considered essential.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends routine dental visits every six months to prevent cavities and gum disease. You also need to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily.

Summary

Gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. It causes redness and swelling of the gums along with bleeding after brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to an irreversible form of gum disease called periodontitis.

The main cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, but other factors can contribute, such as crooked teeth, tobacco use, ill-fitting dental bridges, and certain medications. Gingivitis can be diagnosed with a dental exam alone, but dental X-rays may also be recommended.

Gingivitis is treated by removing plaque and tartar at the dentist’s office, along with regular brushing and flossing at home. Chlorhexidine mouthwash may also be helpful.

A Word From Verywell

Though regular brushing and flossing can help to control gingivitis, you shouldn’t assume that doing so makes dental visits any less important. Gingivitis can sometimes occur even if you regularly brush and floss and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent gum or tooth damage.

A survey conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that only 46% of respondents went to the dentist at least once a year. This largely accounts for why gingivitis and other oral diseases are so common. By seeing a dentist twice yearly, you can avoid complications that may not only be more difficult to treat but more costly to treat.