Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed when brushed or flossed are signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is often a result of plaque build-up from inadequate oral hygiene, but nutritional deficiencies, underlying health conditions, and certain medications can also cause gingivitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum (periodontal) disease, which is inflammation and infection of the gums and bones that support teeth. Gingivitis is common, affecting people of all ages. Gingivitis rates increase significantly during adolescence. By adulthood, nearly 50% of people have some form of gum disease, which takes in gingivitis. What Causes Gingivitis? Plaque buildup on the teeth—above and below the gums—usually causes gingivitis. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, mucus, and food debris. Without regular brushing and flossing, the plaque can harden. As the plaque stays, its bacteria can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. • Professional dental cleaning: A dental professional will use tools to remove the buildup of plaque from the teeth and beneath the gum line. Some people might find this uncomfortable. • Improved oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can help control plaque on your teeth. Your dentist may recommend the daily use of an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill bacteria linked to gingivitis. • Dental work: If you have misaligned teeth or old orthodontic devices, your dentist may suggest additional dental work to straighten ...

Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. Advanced Search: • Use “ “ for phrases o [ “pediatric abdominal pain” ] • Use – to remove results with certain terms o [ “abdominal pain” –pediatric ] • Use OR to account for alternate terms o [teenager OR adolescent ] Search A-Z Gingivitis is an extremely common disease in which the gums become red and swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis causes little pain in its early stages and thus may not be noticed. However, gingivitis that is left untreated may progress to Periodontitis Periodontitis is a severe form of gingivitis, in which the inflammation of the gums extends to the supporting structures of the tooth. Plaque and tartar build up between the teeth and gums and... read more , a more severe gum disease that can result in tooth loss. Without adequate brushing, plaque remains along the gumline and builds up between the gums and the teeth (gingivitis does not occur in places where teeth are missing). Plaque also accumulates in faulty fillings and around the teeth next to poorly cleaned partial dentures, bridges, and orthodontic appliances. When plaque stays on the teeth for more than 72 hours, it can harden into Overview of Tooth Disorders (calculus), which cannot be completely removed by brushing and flossing. Plaque irritates the gums and creates pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria living in these pockets may cause gingivitis as well as Cavities Cavities are decayed areas in the teeth, the...

Bleeding gums are the most common symptom of gum disease. But it can also point to other health problems. Occasional bleeding of the gums can be caused by brushing your teeth too vigorously or wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly. Frequent gum bleeding can also indicate more serious conditions, including: • • • vitamin deficiency • lack of clotting cells (platelets) Dental care issues are the primary cause of bleeding gums. Gingivitis Most people develop gingivitis when plaque stays on gum lines too long. Plaque refers to the debris and bacteria that stick to your teeth. Brushing your teeth removes plaque and can prevent you from developing cavities (dental caries). But plaque may stay on your gum line, if you don’t brush and floss properly. If plaque isn’t removed it can harden into tartar (calculus), which will increase bleeding. The accumulation of plaque near your gums can also cause gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include: • puffy gums • soreness in the mouth and around the gums • bleeding gums Periodontitis Periodontal disease (periodontitis) can occur when gingivitis becomes advanced. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, jawbone, and supportive tissues that connect your teeth and gums. Periodontitis can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out. Vitamin deficiencies Ask your doctor to check your levels of vitamins C and K if you have bleeding gums that aren’t caused by improper dental care. Also, follow a diet that contains both nutrients to ensure ...

Healthlineonly shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: • Evaluate ingredients and composition:Do they have the potential to cause harm? • Fact-check all health claims:Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? • Assess the brand:Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. It’s essential to Even though home remedies contain natural ingredients, you shouldn’t swallow them. Always buy high-quality products to use in your remedies. It’s also a good idea to keep them refrigerated, especially if you live in a warmer climate. The home remedies explained below are generally safe to use. But seek medical advice before use if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other medical condition. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as extreme pain or bleeding — or if your gingivitis isn’t improving with the Keep reading to learn how 10 different home remedies can help clear your symptoms, as well as how to prevent future gingivitis. • Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you can, brush after each meal. • Opt for an • Make sure your toothbrush has soft or extra-soft bristles. • Replace your toothbrush every three months. • Floss daily. • Use a natural mouthwash. • Vi...

Healthlineonly shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: • Evaluate ingredients and composition:Do they have the potential to cause harm? • Fact-check all health claims:Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? • Assess the brand:Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. It’s essential to Even though home remedies contain natural ingredients, you shouldn’t swallow them. Always buy high-quality products to use in your remedies. It’s also a good idea to keep them refrigerated, especially if you live in a warmer climate. The home remedies explained below are generally safe to use. But seek medical advice before use if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other medical condition. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as extreme pain or bleeding — or if your gingivitis isn’t improving with the Keep reading to learn how 10 different home remedies can help clear your symptoms, as well as how to prevent future gingivitis. • Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you can, brush after each meal. • Opt for an • Make sure your toothbrush has soft or extra-soft bristles. • Replace your toothbrush every three months. • Floss daily. • Use a natural mouthwash. • Vi...

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed when brushed or flossed are signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is often a result of plaque build-up from inadequate oral hygiene, but nutritional deficiencies, underlying health conditions, and certain medications can also cause gingivitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum (periodontal) disease, which is inflammation and infection of the gums and bones that support teeth. Gingivitis is common, affecting people of all ages. Gingivitis rates increase significantly during adolescence. By adulthood, nearly 50% of people have some form of gum disease, which takes in gingivitis. What Causes Gingivitis? Plaque buildup on the teeth—above and below the gums—usually causes gingivitis. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, mucus, and food debris. Without regular brushing and flossing, the plaque can harden. As the plaque stays, its bacteria can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. • Professional dental cleaning: A dental professional will use tools to remove the buildup of plaque from the teeth and beneath the gum line. Some people might find this uncomfortable. • Improved oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can help control plaque on your teeth. Your dentist may recommend the daily use of an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill bacteria linked to gingivitis. • Dental work: If you have misaligned teeth or old orthodontic devices, your dentist may suggest additional dental work to straighten ...

Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. Advanced Search: • Use “ “ for phrases o [ “pediatric abdominal pain” ] • Use – to remove results with certain terms o [ “abdominal pain” –pediatric ] • Use OR to account for alternate terms o [teenager OR adolescent ] Search A-Z Gingivitis is an extremely common disease in which the gums become red and swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis causes little pain in its early stages and thus may not be noticed. However, gingivitis that is left untreated may progress to Periodontitis Periodontitis is a severe form of gingivitis, in which the inflammation of the gums extends to the supporting structures of the tooth. Plaque and tartar build up between the teeth and gums and... read more , a more severe gum disease that can result in tooth loss. Without adequate brushing, plaque remains along the gumline and builds up between the gums and the teeth (gingivitis does not occur in places where teeth are missing). Plaque also accumulates in faulty fillings and around the teeth next to poorly cleaned partial dentures, bridges, and orthodontic appliances. When plaque stays on the teeth for more than 72 hours, it can harden into Overview of Tooth Disorders (calculus), which cannot be completely removed by brushing and flossing. Plaque irritates the gums and creates pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria living in these pockets may cause gingivitis as well as Cavities Cavities are decayed areas in the teeth, the...

Bleeding gums are the most common symptom of gum disease. But it can also point to other health problems. Occasional bleeding of the gums can be caused by brushing your teeth too vigorously or wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly. Frequent gum bleeding can also indicate more serious conditions, including: • • • vitamin deficiency • lack of clotting cells (platelets) Dental care issues are the primary cause of bleeding gums. Gingivitis Most people develop gingivitis when plaque stays on gum lines too long. Plaque refers to the debris and bacteria that stick to your teeth. Brushing your teeth removes plaque and can prevent you from developing cavities (dental caries). But plaque may stay on your gum line, if you don’t brush and floss properly. If plaque isn’t removed it can harden into tartar (calculus), which will increase bleeding. The accumulation of plaque near your gums can also cause gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include: • puffy gums • soreness in the mouth and around the gums • bleeding gums Periodontitis Periodontal disease (periodontitis) can occur when gingivitis becomes advanced. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, jawbone, and supportive tissues that connect your teeth and gums. Periodontitis can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out. Vitamin deficiencies Ask your doctor to check your levels of vitamins C and K if you have bleeding gums that aren’t caused by improper dental care. Also, follow a diet that contains both nutrients to ensure ...