What is gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum margin, usually caused by plaque that remains around the teeth.
The short answer
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva, the gum tissue around the teeth, usually caused by plaque bacteria accumulating at the gum margin.
How does plaque lead to inflammation of the gums?
Plaque is a sticky biofilm that forms on teeth and releases irritants when it is not removed. Inflamed gums may look red or swollen and bleed during brushing or flossing, but gingivitis has not yet destroyed the bone and attachment that support the teeth.
What can you do to improve gingivitis at home?
Brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and arrange a professional examination and cleaning if plaque or tartar has built up. A dental hygienist can remove hardened calculus that home brushing cannot detach.
When should ongoing gingivitis be checked by a dentist?
Book dental care when bleeding continues, gums remain swollen, breath changes persist, or teeth feel loose or sensitive. Urgent assessment is needed for facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing, or rapidly worsening mouth pain.
What should you ask about persistent bleeding from gingivitis?
Ask whether the bleeding is from plaque-related gingivitis or another condition, where your cleaning technique is missing the gum margin, whether calculus is present, and what interval is suitable for maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Can home care solve this problem?
Brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and arrange a professional examination and cleaning if plaque or tartar has built up.
What will a dentist check?
Ask whether the bleeding is from plaque-related gingivitis or another condition, where your cleaning technique is missing the gum margin, whether calculus is present, and what interval is suitable for maintenance..
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.