What Is Gingivitis? Early Signs Your Gums Need Attention
If your gums bleed when brushing, appear red or puffy, or you’ve noticed bad breath that just won’t go away — it could be more than poor brushing habits. These are often early signs of gingivitis, the most common and mild form of gum disease.
While gingivitis may seem harmless at first, ignoring it can lead to much more serious problems — including receding gums, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually permanent tooth loss. If left untreated, it can progress into advanced periodontitis, where saving your natural teeth may no longer be possible. At this stage, patients often need to consider full-mouth teeth replacement options.
That’s where modern solutions like All-on-4® dental implants come in — a life-changing treatment that restores both function and confidence, even after severe gum disease. And the best part? Your entire smile transformation can happen in as little as 1 to 3 days.
But before we get there, let’s take a closer look at what gingivitis really is, what causes it, how it shows up, and what you can do to get your gum health back on track.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal (gum) disease. It occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline. If not removed by brushing and flossing, this plaque hardens into tartar, irritating the gums and causing inflammation.
Unlike more advanced gum disease (periodontitis), gingivitis does not yet involve bone loss — which is why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.
Common Symptoms of Gingivitis
Gingivitis doesn’t always cause pain, which is why it’s often overlooked. But there are clear warning signs, including:
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Red, swollen or puffy gums
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Bleeding when brushing or flossing
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Bad breath (halitosis)
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Gum tenderness or sensitivity
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Gum recession — where the gums pull away from the teeth
If you’re noticing your gums look longer, teeth appear bigger, or spaces between teeth are changing, this could be a sign that gingivitis is progressing into gum recession or periodontitis.
What Causes Gingivitis and Receding Gums?
The primary cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, meaning inconsistent brushing, flossing, or skipping dental check-ups. But other contributing factors include:
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Smoking or tobacco use
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Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
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Diabetes or immune disorders
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Stress and poor nutrition
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Certain medications
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Misaligned teeth or poorly fitted dental appliances
Once gingivitis sets in, it can trigger gum recession, where the gum tissue gradually pulls away from the teeth. This exposes the tooth roots, increasing sensitivity, making teeth look longer, and in severe cases, causing them to loosen.
Why Are My Gums Swollen?
Swollen gums are your body’s immune response to irritation, usually from bacterial plaque. The body sends more blood and immune cells to fight the bacteria, causing the gums to appear red, inflamed, and tender.
If you’ve noticed swelling in just one area, it may be due to trapped food or a local infection. But if the swelling is widespread, it’s often a sign of gingivitis or early periodontitis.
How to Get Rid of Gingivitis
The key to reversing gingivitis is stopping the buildup of plaque and tartar through a combination of at-home care and professional cleaning. Here’s how:
Daily Home Routine:
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Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
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Floss daily to remove plaque between the teeth
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Use an antibacterial mouthwash (e.g., chlorhexidine)
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Consider an electric toothbrush for deeper cleaning
Professional Dental Care:
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Book a professional scale and clean to remove tartar buildup
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Follow-up exams every 6 months (or more often if recommended)
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In some cases, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
How to Stop Gum Recession
If your gums have already started receding, reversing the condition at home is not possible — but preventing further damage is.
Here’s what you can do:
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Eliminate the cause — plaque, smoking, or poor-fitting restorations
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Maintain excellent oral hygiene
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Avoid brushing too hard (use gentle, circular motions)
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Visit a dentist for proper diagnosis
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In advanced cases, your dentist may recommend gum grafting to restore lost tissue
If left untreated, gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis, a more serious condition where gum tissue and bone begin to break down, leading to loose teeth and even tooth loss.
When Gingivitis Has Gone Too Far — What’s Next?
In some cases, severe gum disease can lead to the loss of multiple teeth. When this happens, it’s not just about managing symptoms, it’s about rebuilding your oral health from the ground up.
At The Point Dental, we offer advanced full-mouth tooth replacement solutions like All-on-4® dental implants, which allow you to replace all missing or failing teeth with a secure, fixed smile often in just 1–3 days.
Even for patients with advanced gum disease and bone loss, we remove all infection on the day of surgery and start fresh with implants placed at precise angles to avoid bone grafting.
Click here to learn more about All-on-4® and if it’s right for you.
Don’t Wait — Treat Gingivitis Early
Gingivitis is your body’s early warning sign of gum infection. And when caught in time, it’s completely treatable.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, swollen tissue, or bad breath that won’t go away, it’s time to act. Our team at The Point Dental can assess your gums, give you the right treatment plan, and help you protect your smile for life.
