Dental question about taxonomy:condition:gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, usually caused by plaque, and it can often improve with professional and daily cleaning.
What is the direct answer?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, usually caused by plaque, and it can often improve with professional and daily cleaning.
What does this question mean?
Plaque is a bacterial film that collects at the gum margin. Inflamed gums may look red or swollen and can bleed during brushing, while the bone supporting the teeth is not the defining site of gingivitis.
What can you do next?
Brush gently twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth each day. A dental professional can remove hardened calculus, which a toothbrush cannot remove.
When should you seek dental care?
Book an examination for bleeding that persists, gum swelling, bad breath, loose teeth, recession, or pain. Facial swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing needs prompt dental assessment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the findings are gingivitis or periodontitis and whether pockets, recession, or bone loss are present. Ask which cleaning tools fit your gum margins and dental restorations.
Frequently asked questions
Can gingivitis go away?
Inflammation may settle when plaque and calculus are controlled, but a dental examination is needed if bleeding continues or deeper disease is possible.
Is gingivitis contagious?
Gingivitis itself is not spread like an infection between people, although bacteria can be exchanged through saliva and oral habits still affect gum health.