What is Gingivitis? How To Treat Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and the good news is that it is reversible. With proper care, including professional dental treatment and good oral hygiene at home, you can eliminate gingivitis before it develops into something more serious, like periodontitis.
This guide breaks down what gingivitis is, how to recognize it, what causes it, and, most importantly, how to treat and cure gingivitis.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and irritation in the gums. It occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates along the gumline due to poor brushing or flossing habits.
If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth.

Gum Disease vs Gingivitis vs Periodontitis

Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, might seem harmless in the beginning, but if left untreated, it can spread deeper into the tissues and bones that support your teeth, leading to more serious damage. This advanced stage is called periodontitis.
While people often use the terms gingivitis and periodontitis interchangeably, they refer to different stages of gum disease. Let’s break down the key differences.

• Gingivitis: It is the earliest stage. Gingivitis gums appear red, swollen, and may bleed. However, the teeth are still firmly in place.
• Gum Disease: A general term for any gum infection, including both gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Periodontitis: An advanced stage where gum tissue pulls away from teeth, forming pockets that can become infected and lead to tooth loss.

The bottom line is that catching gingivitis early can help you avoid periodontitis altogether.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis?

So, what does gingivitis look like? Well, the early stage of gingivitis often shows up through subtle signs like red, swollen, or bleeding gums. You might also notice persistent bad breath, tenderness, or gums that look shiny and feel puffy.
Since gingivitis typically develops without pain, many people don’t realize they have it, making early detection all the more important, as noted by the NIH.

1. Signs of Infection, Such as Redness and Inflammation

   Puffiness around the teeth or discoloration of gums can be one of the early signs of gingivitis. In some cases, the inflammation can make you consume a couple of painkillers.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

   Tooth sensitivity is a common symptom of gingivitis among all tooth problems. When you sense a sharp pain or a current-like feeling while drinking cold water or while eating something citrus, it is tooth sensitivity. When the condition escalates, such pain can occur while eating or drinking anything, regardless of temperature.

3. Bleeding

   Bleeding is one of the trademark signs of gingivitis. The edges of your gums may bleed or appear red occasionally if you have the disease. Especially while brushing, gums can start bleeding relatively easily.

4. Loose or Moving Teeth, Receding Gums: Gums Losing Grip Over the Teeth/ decreasing gums

   This is one of the most troublesome symptoms. You feel as if the tooth might almost come off!! This is because the gums go weak, and it starts receding, exposing the whole tooth.

What are the Different Types of Gingivitis?

There are two main categories of gingivitis:

1. Gingivitis Caused by Plaque on Teeth

   This is the most common type. It’s triggered by plaque buildup on teeth and gums due to improper cleaning. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that forms when food sugars mix with saliva. If not removed by proper brushing, plaque hardens into tartar and irritates the gums.

2. Gingivitis Not Caused by Plaque

   Less commonly, gingivitis can be caused by:

   • Viral or fungal infections
   • Certain medical conditions (like leukemia)
   • Allergic reactions
   • Genetic disorders

In both cases, early diagnosis and treatment are key to stopping the infection from progressing.

What Causes Gingivitis?

The most common cause of gingivitis is the build-up of plaque. However, as mentioned in the previous section, gingivitis can be triggered by many other factors, such as:-

• 

  Hormonal Changes

  Teenagers or women going through the tough stage of menopause are specifically vulnerable to oral diseases. The imbalance in their hormones affects the overall immunity, too. During such stages, extra care while brushing is likely to help.

• 

  Lack of Oral Hygiene

  A healthy oral cleaning routine includes brushing twice a day, flossing, as well as using mouthwash. But do you do it all? Unfortunately, most of you get through the brushing part hurriedly, which creates unmanageable oral health issues like gingivitis in the long term.

• 

  Stress

  Stress is a huge cause of several health issues. Gum diseases are also among them. Stress often manipulates the hormonal balance in the body as it deals with serotonin, dopamine, and a few other hormones. If the hormonal imbalance gets triggered, stress can result in Gingivitis.

• 

  Chronic Diseases

  Cancer or HIV can become a cause of Gingivitis. Apart from that, chronic diseases related to the stomach, like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, can also deteriorate gum or tooth health.

• 

  Vitamin Deficiencies

  Bad eating habits, often leading to a lack of essential vitamins, are also a main reason behind the Gingivitis disease. Vitamins like B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), minerals, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D are necessary for overall health, including gum health.

• 

  Side Effects of Medications or Drugs

  Consumption of certain medicines for a long time also affects teeth and gums in a negative way.

• 

  Smoking

  Smoking endangers your oral health greatly, and if you have noticed any gingivitis symptoms lately, then stop smoking as soon as possible.

• 

  Genetic Causes

  Sometimes it’s not under your control whether to let teeth develop plaque. If one or both of your parents have had Gingivitis, chances are higher for you to have it.

What are the Risk Factors of Gingivitis?

Some people are more prone to gingivitis due to certain health conditions or lifestyle habits. Risk factors include:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes
• Poor-fitting dental appliances or broken fillings
• Misaligned teeth
• Weakened immunity (e.g., HIV/AIDS)
• Use of certain medications like:
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Steroids
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Anticonvulsants

How is Gingivitis Diagnosed?

Your dentist can diagnose gingivitis through a simple oral exam, reviewing your dental history, and measuring the depth of the spaces (pockets) between your teeth and gums. They’ll check for:

• Gum bleeding and swelling
• Pocket depth between teeth and gums
• Presence of plaque or tartar
• Gum recession or tooth movement

In some cases, dental X-rays may be used to check the stage of your gingivitis to gauge the amount of bone loss. Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of reversing the gingivitis quickly and easily.

How To Treat Gingivitis?

Here comes the most important question – How to treat gingivitis? There are several effective ways to treat gingivitis, depending on how early it’s caught and how severe it has become. Most treatment plans focus on removing plaque, soothing gum inflammation, and promoting healing.
Below are some of the most common methods used by dental professionals, along with steps you can take at home to support recovery.

1. 1

   Treat Plaque or Tartar Conditions

   If you suspect any cavity forming or a tartar condition, get it removed by a dentist. Lifestyle changes can also help to stop it from growing further.

2. 2

   Regular and Thorough Brushing of Teeth

   Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day is one of the most effective ways to prevent and cure gingivitis. It helps remove plaque, which is the main cause of gum inflammation, before it hardens into tartar.
   Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying close attention to the gumline. Consistent brushing reduces bacteria buildup and supports healthy, inflammation-free gums.

3. 3

   Cleanse Mouth With Mouthwash

   While flossing is advised once a day, brushing should be taken care of twice a day in an ideal case. Frequent use of mouthwash that can kill bacteria can also help.

4. 4

   Scaling and Root Planing

   Getting scaling and/or root planing treatment at a dentist’s clinic can reduce the risk of developing Gingivitis.

5. 5

   Get Dental Checkups Periodically

   Moreover, a dental care professional is a sure-shot solution to all the discomfort that Gingivitis brings. For healthy gums and teeth, reach out to your dentist for regular oral health checkups.

Can Gingivitis be Treated at Home?

Yes, mild gingivitis can often be reversed at home with improved oral hygiene and self-care. Here are some home-remedy tips:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily
• Rinse with salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash
• Stay hydrated and limit sugary foods
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins
• Avoid tobacco products

Still, don’t skip the dentist. Home remedies work best as a supplement to professional treatment.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Gum Health Today

Gingivitis is curable and reversible if you catch it early. By keeping up with your oral hygiene, using the right dental products, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent gum disease from progressing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can gingivitis be cured?

   Yes, when detected early, gingivitis is completely curable. With professional cleanings and good home care, your gums can return to a healthy state.

2. How can I reduce my risk for gingivitis?

   Practice good oral hygiene, quit smoking, eat a healthy diet, manage stress, and visit your dentist regularly. These habits reduce plaque buildup and keep your gums strong.

3. What is a gingivitis cleaning?

   A gingivitis cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a deep cleaning that removes gingivitis plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. It helps reduce inflammation and allows gums to reattach to teeth.

4. What is the fastest way to cure gingivitis?

   The fastest way is a combination of professional cleaning and consistent brushing, flossing, and rinsing at home. Using a gingivitis-specific mouthwash and toothpaste can speed up healing.

5. Is gingivitis reversible?

   Absolutely. In most cases, gingivitis is fully reversible if treated early and maintained with good oral hygiene.

Dr. Anu Isaac

Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.