Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentComplicationsPreventionWhen to See a DentistPrognosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Prevention
When to See a Dentist
Prognosis
Studies suggest that between 20% and 50% of people worldwide have gum disease.It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and to seek treatment to protect your teeth and overall health.
The article details the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of gingivitis and what you can do to avoid this all-too-common form of gum disease.
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According to the American Dental Association, common symptoms of gingivitis include:
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that can cause the irreversible destruction of bone and therecession(pulling back) of the gums.
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Risk factors for gingivitis include:
Gingivitis and Genetics
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During the exam, each tooth is inspected, and a score of 0 to 3 is given for each of four tooth surfaces: distal (back-side), buccal (cheek-side), lingual (tongue-side), and mesial (front-side). The scores are then averaged to give each tooth a single score.
The scores are based on the gingival index (GI) which classifies the quality of the gums, as follows:
After a treatment plan is decided upon, regular follow-up visits should be scheduled to see if your condition has improved, is stable, or has progressed (worsened).
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The primary treatment of gingivitis is the removal of plaque and tartar. This is performed in the dental office with different instruments, including picks and scalers.
After the dental cleaning, you can keep plaque under control with regular brushing and flossing. Curbing or quitting tobacco use can also help.
Your dental professional may recommendchlorhexidine mouthwashesin conjunction with brushing and flossing. The stronger mouthwash may increase the risk of mouth irritation and tooth staining.
If the drugs you take contribute to your gingivitis, you may need to speak with your primary care doctor about medication adjustments. Additionally, they may prescribe a supplement if you have a vitamin deficiency.
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Advanced untreated gum disease can lead totooth pain or sensitivity, loose teeth, changes in your bite, tooth loss, and local infections that can becomesystemic(affecting other tissues or organs).
Periodontal disease also is associated with other health conditions, including cardiovascular (heart) disease. Research continues into the connections between gum disease andcancer,osteoporosis,Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
A specific type of gingivitis occurs in people diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
HIV Mouth Sores
You can take steps to prevent gum disease. Good oral hygiene practices include:
Managing other illnesses well (like taking your diabetes medication) can limit the risks associated with gum disease. Your dental care professional can advise you on the best strategies for oral health.
Your visit also may include X-rays and anoral cancerscreening. But if you are experiencing symptoms commonly seen with gingivitis (likebleeding gumsand bad breath), schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends routine dental visits every six months to prevent cavities and gum disease. You also need to brush your teeth twice daily withfluoride toothpasteand floss at least once daily.
Summary
The main cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, so careful brushing and flossing can improve symptoms. But other factors can contribute, such as crooked teeth, tobacco use, ill-fitting dental bridges, and certain medications. Your dental professional can help to diagnose and treat gingivitis.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mark AM.Keeping an eye on your gums.J Am Dent Assoc. 2018;149(7):662. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2018.05.002Nazir M, Al-Ansari A, Al-Khalifa K, Alhareky M, Gaffar B, Almas K.Global Prevalence of Periodontal Disease and Lack of Its Surveillance.ScientificWorldJournal.2020 May 28;2020:2146160. doi: 10.1155/2020/2146160.American Dental Association (ADA) Division of Science.For the patient. Keeping your gums healthy.J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(4):A46. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2015.01.021Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About periodontal (gum) disease.Nibali L, Bayliss-Chapman J, Almofareh SA, Zhou Y, Divaris K, Vieira AR.What is the heritability of periodontitis? A systematic review.J Dent Res. 2019;98(6):632-641. doi:10.1177/0022034519842510Trombelli L, Farina R, Silva CO, Tatakis DN.Plaque-induced gingivitis: case definition and diagnostic considerations.J Periodontol. 2018;89(Suppl 1):S46-S73. doi:10.1002/JPER.17-0576James P, Worthington HV, Parnell C, et al.Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2021(12). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008676.pub2Safiaghdam H, Oveissi V, Bahramsoltani R, Farzaei MH, Rahimi R.Medicinal plants for gingivitis: a review of clinical trials.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2018;21(10):978–991. doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2018.31997.7690Isola G, Santonocito S, Lupi SM, Polizzi A, Sclafani R, Patini R,et al.Periodontal Health and Disease in the Context of Systemic Diseases.Mediators Inflamm. 2023 May 13;2023:9720947. doi:10.1155/2023/9720947.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Diabetes and oral health.Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Statistical brief #537: trends in the number and percentage of the population with any dental or medical visits, 2003-2018.American Dental Association.Home oral care.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mark AM.Keeping an eye on your gums.J Am Dent Assoc. 2018;149(7):662. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2018.05.002Nazir M, Al-Ansari A, Al-Khalifa K, Alhareky M, Gaffar B, Almas K.Global Prevalence of Periodontal Disease and Lack of Its Surveillance.ScientificWorldJournal.2020 May 28;2020:2146160. doi: 10.1155/2020/2146160.American Dental Association (ADA) Division of Science.For the patient. Keeping your gums healthy.J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(4):A46. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2015.01.021Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About periodontal (gum) disease.Nibali L, Bayliss-Chapman J, Almofareh SA, Zhou Y, Divaris K, Vieira AR.What is the heritability of periodontitis? A systematic review.J Dent Res. 2019;98(6):632-641. doi:10.1177/0022034519842510Trombelli L, Farina R, Silva CO, Tatakis DN.Plaque-induced gingivitis: case definition and diagnostic considerations.J Periodontol. 2018;89(Suppl 1):S46-S73. doi:10.1002/JPER.17-0576James P, Worthington HV, Parnell C, et al.Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2021(12). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008676.pub2Safiaghdam H, Oveissi V, Bahramsoltani R, Farzaei MH, Rahimi R.Medicinal plants for gingivitis: a review of clinical trials.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2018;21(10):978–991. doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2018.31997.7690Isola G, Santonocito S, Lupi SM, Polizzi A, Sclafani R, Patini R,et al.Periodontal Health and Disease in the Context of Systemic Diseases.Mediators Inflamm. 2023 May 13;2023:9720947. doi:10.1155/2023/9720947.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Diabetes and oral health.Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Statistical brief #537: trends in the number and percentage of the population with any dental or medical visits, 2003-2018.American Dental Association.Home oral care.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mark AM.Keeping an eye on your gums.J Am Dent Assoc. 2018;149(7):662. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2018.05.002Nazir M, Al-Ansari A, Al-Khalifa K, Alhareky M, Gaffar B, Almas K.Global Prevalence of Periodontal Disease and Lack of Its Surveillance.ScientificWorldJournal.2020 May 28;2020:2146160. doi: 10.1155/2020/2146160.American Dental Association (ADA) Division of Science.For the patient. Keeping your gums healthy.J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(4):A46. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2015.01.021Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About periodontal (gum) disease.Nibali L, Bayliss-Chapman J, Almofareh SA, Zhou Y, Divaris K, Vieira AR.What is the heritability of periodontitis? A systematic review.J Dent Res. 2019;98(6):632-641. doi:10.1177/0022034519842510Trombelli L, Farina R, Silva CO, Tatakis DN.Plaque-induced gingivitis: case definition and diagnostic considerations.J Periodontol. 2018;89(Suppl 1):S46-S73. doi:10.1002/JPER.17-0576James P, Worthington HV, Parnell C, et al.Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2021(12). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008676.pub2Safiaghdam H, Oveissi V, Bahramsoltani R, Farzaei MH, Rahimi R.Medicinal plants for gingivitis: a review of clinical trials.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2018;21(10):978–991. doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2018.31997.7690Isola G, Santonocito S, Lupi SM, Polizzi A, Sclafani R, Patini R,et al.Periodontal Health and Disease in the Context of Systemic Diseases.Mediators Inflamm. 2023 May 13;2023:9720947. doi:10.1155/2023/9720947.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Diabetes and oral health.Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Statistical brief #537: trends in the number and percentage of the population with any dental or medical visits, 2003-2018.American Dental Association.Home oral care.
Mark AM.Keeping an eye on your gums.J Am Dent Assoc. 2018;149(7):662. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2018.05.002
Nazir M, Al-Ansari A, Al-Khalifa K, Alhareky M, Gaffar B, Almas K.Global Prevalence of Periodontal Disease and Lack of Its Surveillance.ScientificWorldJournal.2020 May 28;2020:2146160. doi: 10.1155/2020/2146160.
American Dental Association (ADA) Division of Science.For the patient. Keeping your gums healthy.J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(4):A46. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2015.01.021
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About periodontal (gum) disease.
Nibali L, Bayliss-Chapman J, Almofareh SA, Zhou Y, Divaris K, Vieira AR.What is the heritability of periodontitis? A systematic review.J Dent Res. 2019;98(6):632-641. doi:10.1177/0022034519842510
Trombelli L, Farina R, Silva CO, Tatakis DN.Plaque-induced gingivitis: case definition and diagnostic considerations.J Periodontol. 2018;89(Suppl 1):S46-S73. doi:10.1002/JPER.17-0576
James P, Worthington HV, Parnell C, et al.Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2021(12). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008676.pub2
Safiaghdam H, Oveissi V, Bahramsoltani R, Farzaei MH, Rahimi R.Medicinal plants for gingivitis: a review of clinical trials.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2018;21(10):978–991. doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2018.31997.7690
Isola G, Santonocito S, Lupi SM, Polizzi A, Sclafani R, Patini R,et al.Periodontal Health and Disease in the Context of Systemic Diseases.Mediators Inflamm. 2023 May 13;2023:9720947. doi:10.1155/2023/9720947.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Diabetes and oral health.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Statistical brief #537: trends in the number and percentage of the population with any dental or medical visits, 2003-2018.
American Dental Association.Home oral care.
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