Dental question about taxonomy:condition:gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum margin, usually caused by plaque, and it can often improve with cleaning and daily plaque removal.
The short answer
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth, usually caused by plaque collecting at the gum margin. The gums may look red or swollen and bleed when brushed, without the bone loss that defines periodontitis.
What is plaque and where does it form on teeth?
Plaque is a soft bacterial film that forms on teeth. If it remains beside the gingival margin, the immune response makes the nearby tissue tender, puffy, and prone to bleeding.
How can gentle cleaning help manage gingivitis?
Brush gently twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush. A dentist or hygienist can remove hardened calculus, which home brushing cannot remove.
When should persistent gum symptoms be examined?
Arrange an examination if bleeding, swelling, bad breath, or tenderness persists after improving cleaning, or if gums pull away from teeth. Urgent care is appropriate for facial swelling, fever, pus, or difficulty swallowing.
Which checks may be needed to assess inflamed gums?
Ask whether the inflammation is limited to the gingiva, whether calculus or another problem is present, and whether periodontal probing or dental radiographs are needed. Ask for a specific home-cleaning plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can gingivitis be reversed?
Early gingivitis can often improve when plaque and calculus are removed and daily cleaning is consistent.
Does gingivitis always hurt?
No. Gingivitis may bleed or swell with little pain, so painless bleeding still deserves attention.
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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.