Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque along the gumline. It shows as red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. The decisive point: as long as only the gum is affected, it heals completely – with no lasting damage. Left untreated it can develop into periodontitis, and that is the more serious condition.

Healing

Fully possible

First sign

Bleeding gums

Check-up

Every six months

How do I recognise gum inflammation?

Healthy gums are pale pink, sit firmly against the tooth and do not bleed. Inflamed gums are dark red to bluish, look swollen and shiny – and they bleed, usually when brushing or cleaning between the teeth. Bad breath and an unpleasant taste often come with it.

There is usually no pain. That is precisely the problem: because nothing hurts, the inflammation is often overlooked or dismissed as normal. Bleeding gums are never normal – they are a sign of inflammation and the most reliable early warning the body gives here.

How does it develop?

The trigger is bacterial plaque collecting along the gumline and between the teeth. If it is not removed regularly, the gum responds with inflammation. Left in place, plaque mineralises into tartar, whose rough surface in turn binds fresh deposits – a cycle a toothbrush alone can no longer break.

Smoking, stress, hormonal changes during pregnancy and the menopause, diabetes, a dry mouth and overhanging filling or crown margins all make it more likely. Mouth breathing and certain medications play a part as well.

Gingivitis or already periodontitis?

This is the most important distinction, and it determines the outlook. With gingivitis, only the gum is inflamed. Bone and supporting structures are untouched, and the inflammation heals without consequence.

With periodontitis, the inflammation has spread to the tooth-supporting structures. Periodontal pockets form, the jawbone recedes and teeth can loosen. Lost bone does not grow back on its own – treatment can stop the process. So the earlier gum inflammation is treated, the less is at stake. More on this in our entry on periodontitis.

How is it treated?

The centrepiece is the thorough removal of all soft and hard deposits – including where the toothbrush cannot reach. That is the job of professional dental hygiene: tartar is removed, the tooth surfaces are smoothed and polished so that new deposits adhere less easily. We then show you which brushing technique and which aids suit your situation – interdental brushes in the right size are usually more effective than any mouthwash.

At our clinic we also use a laser on inflamed gums. It reduces bacteria around the gum margin precisely and gently, without cutting and without sutures. With straightforward gingivitis, the inflammation typically subsides within a few days after professional cleaning and consistent care.

What you can do at home

Brush thoroughly twice a day, with soft to medium bristles and without pressure – vigorous scrubbing harms the gums more than it helps. What matters most are the spaces between the teeth: that is almost always where the inflammation starts, and no toothbrush reaches there. Interdental brushes or floss therefore belong in the routine once a day.

Important, because many people get this wrong: do not spare bleeding gums. The instinct to avoid the bleeding spot makes the inflammation worse. That is exactly where cleaning is needed – after a few days the bleeding stops. If it persists for more than a week, it belongs in our surgery.

Why gums are more than gums

Persistent inflammation in the mouth does not stay in the mouth. Studies show links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes and complications in pregnancy. The mouth is not an isolated zone but part of the whole organism – that is the thinking behind our interdisciplinary biological approach.

In practical terms: bleeding gums are a finding to be taken seriously and investigated – not something to be masked with a mouthwash.

Frequently asked questions about gingivitis

Are bleeding gums dangerous?

Not dangerous, but always a sign of inflammation and never normal. If it lasts longer than a week, the cause should be assessed by a dentist.

How long does it take for gum inflammation to heal?

After professional cleaning and consistent care, usually within a few days. If the inflammation persists, there is normally more behind it – tartar below the gumline, for instance, or early periodontitis.

Do mouthwashes help against gum inflammation?

They can support treatment in the short term but never replace mechanical cleaning. A rinse does not reach the plaque between the teeth – which is where the inflammation starts. Antibacterial rinses are also not intended for continuous use. We recommend an entirely different approach that reduces the risks fundamentally and lastingly.

Can gum inflammation clear up on its own?

With very mild inflammation and improved care, that is possible. Once tartar is involved it no longer works without professional cleaning – tartar cannot be removed at home.

How do I know whether it is already periodontitis?

Typical signs are receding gums, teeth that look longer, sensitive necks of teeth, bad breath and, at an advanced stage, loose teeth. Only measuring the periodontal pockets at the practice gives certainty.

Do gums bleed more often during pregnancy?

Yes. Hormonal changes make the gums more sensitive, so they react more strongly to the same amount of plaque. Check-ups and dental hygiene matter particularly then – for the course of the pregnancy as well.

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