Dental knowledge: what is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an inflammatory change in the gums.

Gingivitis usually begins in the spaces between the teeth, caused by bacterial contamination and plaque. It is one of the most common conditions of the human body and often a forerunner of periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammatory change in the gums. The tissue immediately adjoining the tooth at the neck (the papilla) is reddened or swollen and bleeds on contact with an interdental brush or a dental probe.

Because it bleeds when you brush, the temptation is to spare that area and not clean it thoroughly. The opposite is right: plaque must be removed especially thoroughly at the inflamed sites. Careful and continuous improvement of oral care at home allows gingivitis to heal.

The danger of untreated gingivitis is that over time it can endanger the tooth-supporting and tooth-retaining tissue – periodontitis can develop at one or several teeth. If periodontitis or gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation can destroy the fibres that connect the teeth to the jawbone. As it progresses, the inflammation can lead to bone loss. Without fibres and bone the teeth begin to loosen and may be lost. Together with caries, periodontal disease and receding gums are the most common cause of tooth loss.

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

Gums that bleed on contact are a typical sign of gingivitis, an inflammatory change in the gums. It is usually caused by bacterial deposits and begins in the spaces between the teeth. The tissue at the neck of the tooth is then reddened or swollen and bleeds on contact with an interdental brush or a probe.

Should I go easy on inflamed gums when brushing?

No, the opposite is right: plaque has to be removed especially thoroughly at the inflamed sites. Many people spare the bleeding area and therefore clean it less well. Careful and lastingly improved dental care at home allows inflammation of the gums to heal again.

What happens if inflamed gums are left untreated?

Over time untreated gingivitis can endanger the tooth-supporting and tooth-retaining tissue, and periodontitis can develop at one or several teeth. The inflammation can destroy the fibres that connect the teeth to the jawbone and later lead to bone loss. The teeth then loosen and may be lost.