Signs and symptoms of gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, leading to inflammation. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious gum disease or even tooth loss.

Key Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

1. Red, Swollen Gums

   • Healthy gums are usually firm and pale pink. One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of gingivitis is redness or swelling in the gums, which may appear more pronounced around the teeth.

2. Bleeding Gums

   • Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing are a hallmark symptom of gingivitis. This is due to the inflammation of the gum tissue, which becomes more sensitive and prone to bleeding.

3. Bad Breath (Halitosis)

   • Chronic bad breath or a persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth can indicate gingivitis. This is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce foul-smelling compounds.

4. Receding Gums

   • Gingivitis can cause the gums to pull back or recede from the teeth, making the teeth appear longer. This happens because the gum tissue is damaged or weakened due to inflammation.

5. Tender Gums

   • Gums affected by gingivitis can become tender and sore to the touch, making it uncomfortable to eat or brush.

6. Puffy Gums

   • The gums may appear swollen and puffy, particularly around the base of the teeth. This puffiness is due to the increased blood flow to the affected area from inflammation.

7. Changes in Gums’ Texture

   • Healthy gums have a firm and smooth texture. In gingivitis, the texture may change, with gums feeling soft or spongy.

8. Discomfort When Chewing

   • Although pain is not usually a prominent symptom, people with gingivitis may experience mild discomfort or tenderness when chewing food, especially if the gums are heavily inflamed.

9. Shiny Gums

   • When gums become inflamed, they may appear shiny, reflecting the excess fluid in the tissues.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to build up on teeth. However, there are other factors that can increase the risk of developing gingivitis:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco

• Poor nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency

• Dental restorations that don’t fit properly or crooked teeth that are difficult to clean

• Medical conditions, such as certain viral or fungal infections

• Certain medications that cause dry mouth or have other side effects

• Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menstrual cycle, menopause)

• Age, as older adults are more prone

• Medical conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS

• Family history of dental disease

• Medications that reduce saliva flow

How Gingivitis is Diagnosed

A dentist or dental hygienist usually diagnoses gingivitis during a routine dental checkup. They may:

• Examine your gums for signs of inflammation, redness, swelling, and bleeding.

• Measure the space between your gums and teeth to check for pockets, which can indicate a more serious form of gum disease.

• Perform an X-ray if necessary to check for bone loss around the teeth.

Treatment and Prevention

Gingivitis is treatable and reversible with proper dental care. Here are steps to prevent and manage it:

• Brushing and Flossing: Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing can remove plaque from the teeth and gums, preventing gingivitis from developing.

• Professional Cleanings: A dentist or dental hygienist may perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be removed by regular brushing.

• Avoid Smoking and Tobacco: Quitting smoking or using tobacco products reduces the risk of developing gingivitis.

• Good Nutrition: A balanced diet, including sufficient vitamin C, supports gum health.

• Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to the dentist help identify early signs of gum disease, making it easier to treat before it worsens.

If gingivitis is treated early, it usually does not progress to more severe forms of gum disease. However, untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that can damage the bones supporting your teeth.