Dental question about taxonomy:condition:gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum margin, commonly linked to plaque, and it can cause bleeding, redness, swelling, and tenderness.
The short answer
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums around the teeth, most often caused by plaque that remains at the gum margin. Typical signs include bleeding during brushing, redness, puffiness, tenderness, or persistent bad breath.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Plaque is a sticky microbial film that irritates the gingival tissue. Gingivitis affects the soft gum tissues and does not by itself mean that the supporting bone has been lost, although untreated inflammation can coexist with or progress to periodontal disease.
What can you do next?
Brush gently along the gumline with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth every day. A dental professional can remove hardened calculus with scaling; brushing cannot remove calculus once it has bonded to the tooth.
When should you seek dental care?
Book a dental examination for regular gum bleeding, persistent swelling, gum recession, loose teeth, pus, or a change in how teeth fit together. Rapid facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing needs urgent care.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the inflammation is limited to the gums, whether calculus is present, and how the gum pockets and tooth support will be assessed. Ask for a brushing and interdental-cleaning technique suited to your mouth.
Frequently asked questions
Can gingivitis be reversed?
The inflammation can often improve when plaque and calculus are controlled, but persistent bleeding needs examination to check for deeper gum disease.
Does gingivitis always hurt?
No. Gingivitis may bleed or look swollen without significant pain, which is why painless bleeding should still be assessed.