Healthy Gums vs Gingivitis
Healthy gums are firm and usually do not bleed, while gingivitis can cause redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding. Compare the signs.
The short answer
Healthy gums are firm, pink, and do not bleed during routine brushing, while gingivitis makes the gum margin red, swollen, tender, or prone to bleeding.
What causes gingivitis around the gum margin?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva, usually because bacterial plaque remains at the gum margin. Healthy gum tissue fits closely around each tooth; gingivitis may look puffy and bleed when the sulcus is brushed or gently probed.
How can you clean effectively around the gumline?
Brush twice daily with a soft brush, angle the bristles toward the gum margin, and clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush. A dental professional can remove hardened calculus with scaling, which home brushing cannot remove.
When should ongoing bleeding be assessed by a dentist?
Arrange an examination if bleeding continues despite careful cleaning, or if you notice persistent swelling, bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or pus. Facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing needs urgent assessment.
How can your dentist identify the cause of bleeding?
Ask whether the bleeding is limited to gingivitis or whether there are signs of periodontitis, how deep the gum pockets measure, and whether calculus or a defective filling is retaining plaque.
Frequently asked questions
Can gingivitis improve?
Early gingivitis can improve when plaque is removed consistently and calculus is professionally cleaned.
Does bleeding always mean gingivitis?
No. Trauma, a poorly fitting appliance, medication effects, and other conditions can also cause bleeding, so persistent bleeding needs an examination.
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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.