Gingivitis what to do
Gingivitis is inflamed gum tissue caused mainly by plaque, and it usually improves when plaque is removed and contributing factors are treated.
The short answer
Gingivitis is gum inflammation caused mainly by plaque, and treatment focuses on thorough daily cleaning plus professional removal of hardened calculus. Bleeding during brushing is a sign of inflamed gingiva, not a reason to stop cleaning gently.
How does plaque build up around the gum margin?
Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that collects around the gum margin. If it remains, the gingiva can become red, puffy, tender, and prone to bleeding; saliva can harden plaque into calculus that a toothbrush cannot remove.
How should you clean your teeth when gums bleed?
Brush twice daily along the gumline with a soft brush and clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush sized for the space. A dental professional can remove calculus, polish deposits, check fillings and crowns, and review factors such as dry mouth, smoking, or medication-related gum enlargement.
When does ongoing gum bleeding need dental care?
Book an examination if bleeding, swelling, bad breath, or tenderness continues despite careful cleaning, or if gums pull away from teeth. Pain, pus, loose teeth, or facial swelling may indicate a deeper periodontal or dental problem rather than simple gingivitis.
Could gum inflammation require pocket checks or X-rays?
Ask whether the inflammation is limited to gingivitis or has affected the periodontal ligament and bone, and whether pocket measurements or X-rays are needed. Ask which interdental tool fits each space and when a professional cleaning should be repeated.
Frequently asked questions
Should I brush if my gums bleed?
Yes. Use a soft brush gently at the gumline and arrange an examination if bleeding persists or is heavy.
Can gingivitis damage bone?
Gingivitis is limited to gum inflammation; bone loss indicates progression to periodontitis and needs dental assessment.
Keep reading
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.