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.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
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 next?
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 you seek dental care?
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 the dentist?
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..