What is it?
Gingivitis is inflammation at the gum margin caused by bacterial plaque building up on the tooth surface. The gum reddens, swells and bleeds when brushed. It usually doesn't hurt, which is why many people carry it for years without noticing.
The key point: at this stage there is no bone loss yet. With a professional cleaning and consistent home care the gum can return fully to health. Left untreated it progresses to periodontitis, and from that point the loss is permanent.
Signs
You will not necessarily have all of these at once.
Why does it happen?
- 01
Plaque build-up
Plaque that isn't brushed away hardens into tartar within 24–72 hours and can no longer be removed with a brush.
- 02
Skipping interdental cleaning
Gum disease almost always starts between the teeth, exactly where a brush cannot reach.
- 03
Smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, masking the bleeding sign and letting the disease advance silently.
- 04
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy and adolescence the gums react more strongly to plaque, so the same routine becomes less sufficient.
How is it treated?
Treatment starts with a scaling appointment. Hard deposits are removed from the tooth surface with ultrasonic instruments; this usually takes a single session and needs no anaesthetic.
What follows matters more. If bleeding hasn't stopped within two weeks of the cleaning, either the interdental routine is insufficient or the disease has progressed to periodontitis. Both need review.
How is it prevented?
- Brush twice daily with a soft brush, angled 45° toward the gum margin
- Clean between the teeth once a day; this matters more than brushing itself
- Have a professional scaling every six months
- Don't brush less where you see blood; a bleeding area is precisely the area that needs cleaning
Frequently asked questions
- Is bleeding from the gums normal?
- No. Healthy gums do not bleed when brushed. Bleeding is the first and often the only warning sign.
- Is mouthwash enough on its own?
- No. Mouthwash reduces plaque but cannot dissolve hardened tartar. It does not replace mechanical cleaning.
- Does scaling damage the teeth?
- No. Ultrasonic tips break up the deposit, not the enamel. Any sensitivity afterwards settles within a few days.
This content is for general information and does not replace an in-person examination. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and a diagnosis can only be made clinically.