Quick answer
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque that builds up along the gumline. It often causes red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. It is usually reversible with thorough daily cleaning and a professional dental cleaning.
Key takeaways
- Gingivitis is mild gum inflammation caused by plaque left along the gumline.
- Red, puffy gums that bleed easily are the most common signs.
- Unlike later stages of gum disease, gingivitis can usually be reversed.
- Treatment comes down to daily brushing, cleaning between teeth and a professional cleaning.
- If gingivitis is ignored, it can progress to a more serious gum condition.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. It is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.
When plaque stays along the gumline, the gums react the way skin reacts to irritation: they become red, swollen and tender. Gingivitis only affects the gum tissue. The bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are not yet damaged, which is why this stage matters. It is the point where the problem is easiest to turn around.
Gingivitis is very common, and it is not a sign that you have done something wrong. Busy schedules, hard to reach spots in the mouth, and time between dental visits all make it easy for plaque to build up. If you want the bigger picture, our guide to what gum disease is explains how gingivitis fits in with the more advanced stages.
What does gingivitis look like?
Healthy gums are typically firm and pale pink, and they fit snugly around each tooth. Gums with gingivitis often look redder or darker than usual, puffy, and shiny.
Common signs include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat something crunchy
- Red, swollen or tender gums along the edges of the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste that does not go away after brushing
- Gums that look slightly puffy or rounded instead of tight and scalloped around the teeth
Many people notice only a little pink in the sink after brushing. Because gingivitis is often not painful, it is easy to dismiss. Bleeding gums are not normal, though, even if they seem minor. They are one of the clearest ways your mouth asks for attention.
What causes gingivitis?
The main cause of gingivitis is plaque that is not removed well enough each day. Bacteria in plaque release substances that irritate the gums, and the body responds with inflammation.
If plaque stays in place, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar cannot be brushed away at home. It gives plaque a rough surface to cling to and keeps the gums irritated, so a professional cleaning is needed to remove it.
Several things can make gingivitis more likely or more stubborn:
- Skipped or rushed cleaning, such as missing the gumline when brushing or not cleaning between teeth.
- Tobacco use. Smoking and other tobacco products affect gum health and can hide the usual signs.
- Hormonal changes. Pregnancy, puberty and other shifts can make gums more sensitive.
- Certain health conditions and medications. Diabetes and some medicines that cause dry mouth can raise the risk.
- Crowded teeth or old restorations, since tight spots and rough edges hold plaque more easily.
Is gingivitis contagious?
Gingivitis itself is not contagious in the way a cold is, but the bacteria involved can be passed through saliva. Sharing utensils or kissing can transfer oral bacteria from one person to another.
Whether those bacteria cause gingivitis depends mostly on your own habits and health, such as how well plaque is removed and how your body responds to it. Two people can share the same bacteria, and only one develops gum problems. You do not need to avoid family or loved ones. Good daily cleaning is what protects your gums.
How do you get rid of gingivitis?
You get rid of gingivitis by removing plaque and tartar thoroughly and keeping them away. This takes a combination of home care and a professional cleaning.
Step 1: Brush well twice a day
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for about two minutes. Angle the bristles toward the gumline and use gentle, short strokes. Pressing hard does not clean better and can irritate the gums further.
Step 2: Clean between your teeth daily
A toothbrush cannot reach the tight spaces between teeth, where gingivitis often starts. Floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser can all help. Your gums may bleed at first. If you keep going gently, the bleeding usually eases as the inflammation settles. If it does not, mention it to your dentist.
Step 3: Get a professional cleaning
Once tartar has formed, only a dental team can remove it. A professional dental cleaning clears plaque and tartar from above and just below the gumline so your gums can heal. Your dentist can also check whether the problem is still gingivitis or has gone further.
Step 4: Support your gums with healthy habits
Cutting back on tobacco, keeping blood sugar well managed if you have diabetes, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks all help your gums. Rinsing with water after meals is a simple extra step when you cannot brush.
If gingivitis has progressed beyond the earliest stage, a dentist may suggest deeper care. You can read about the options on our gum disease treatment page.
Does gingivitis go away, and how long does it take to reverse?
Yes, gingivitis can go away. Because it affects only the gums, it is considered reversible with good care.
How long it takes varies from person to person. Many people see less bleeding and swelling within a couple of weeks of consistent brushing, cleaning between teeth and a professional cleaning. Others need longer, especially if there is a lot of tartar, or if other factors such as tobacco use or a health condition are involved. Rather than aiming for a specific number of days, look for steady signs of progress: gums that look paler pink, feel firmer and bleed less.
Gingivitis can also come back if plaque builds up again. Reversing it is a good start, and keeping up the routine is what keeps your gums healthy.
What happens if gingivitis is not treated?
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. At that stage, the gums can pull away from the teeth, pockets can form, and the bone supporting the teeth can be affected.
The damage from periodontitis is not fully reversible, although it can be managed with treatment. Public health sources describe severe gum disease as one of the oral conditions that most affect overall health and quality of life. That is the reason catching gingivitis early is worthwhile, and it is never too late to begin.
When should you see a dentist about gingivitis?
See a dentist if your gums bleed regularly, look red or swollen, or if bad breath will not go away. You should also book a visit if home care has not helped after a couple of weeks, or if you notice loose teeth, gums pulling back, or pus around the gums. Do not wait on those signs.
If it has been a long time since your last visit, you are welcome here without judgment. Our team focuses on clear explanations, so you will know what we see and what your options are before any treatment begins. Walk-ins are welcome at our Peoria, North Phoenix and Metro offices, and same-day emergency care is available if you are in pain or have swelling. Our team also speaks Spanish.
We welcome every budget. We accept most major dental PPO plans, and we offer CareCredit, in-house payment plans, and the Ultra Discounts plan for people without insurance. Our staff can help you understand your coverage.
This article is general education and not a diagnosis. A dentist can look at your gums, explain what is going on, and advise on your own situation.
Part of our Gum health articles.
Sources
- Gingivitis, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH)
- Flossing, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Plaque, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
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