What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a common inflammatory condition affecting the gum tissue (gingiva) that surrounds and supports the teeth. It occurs when plaque — a soft film of bacteria that forms naturally on the teeth — accumulates along the gumline and triggers an inflammatory response in the gum tissue.
The most recognisable sign of gingivitis is bleeding gums, particularly during brushing or flossing. Other signs may include redness, swelling, and tenderness of the gums. Because gingivitis is usually painless, it can develop without the individual being fully aware of the changes taking place.
Gingivitis differs from periodontitis in an important way. While gingivitis involves inflammation confined to the gum tissue, periodontitis is a more advanced stage in which the infection extends deeper and may affect the bone that supports the teeth. Gingivitis does not always progress to periodontitis, but without appropriate management, there is an increased risk that it may do so over time.
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can result from several factors. A professional assessment is the most reliable way to determine the specific cause and guide appropriate care.
Plaque Accumulation
Plaque — a soft, sticky film of bacteria — forms naturally on the teeth throughout the day. When it is not effectively removed through brushing, it can build up along the gumline and irritate the gum tissue.
Inadequate Brushing or Flossing
Inconsistent or ineffective brushing and interdental cleaning can allow plaque to accumulate in areas that are difficult to reach, increasing the risk of gum inflammation.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums and impair the body's ability to manage inflammation, making gum tissue more vulnerable to disease. It can also mask symptoms such as bleeding.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, or menopause can increase gum sensitivity and make the tissues more susceptible to inflammation, even with good oral hygiene.
Medical Conditions
Certain conditions — including diabetes, immune system disorders, and nutritional deficiencies — can affect gum health and increase susceptibility to gingivitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis
Gingivitis can present in different ways. Some individuals notice obvious changes, while others may have subtle signs that are only identified during a dental examination.
Bleeding When Brushing or Flossing
One of the most common early signs of gingivitis. Gums may bleed during routine brushing or when using interdental brushes or floss.
Red or Swollen Gums
Healthy gums are typically firm and pale pink. Gums that appear red, puffy, or swollen may indicate inflammation caused by plaque bacteria.
Tenderness Along the Gumline
The gums may feel tender or uncomfortable when touched, particularly around areas where plaque has accumulated.
Persistent Bad Breath
Ongoing bad breath (halitosis) that does not resolve with brushing may be linked to bacterial activity along and beneath the gumline.
Gum Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity when eating, drinking, or brushing can sometimes indicate early gum inflammation, particularly if the gums appear visibly changed.
Why Professional Assessment Is Important
Although bleeding gums are common, they are not a normal part of oral health. Bleeding during brushing or flossing typically indicates that the gum tissue is inflamed, and this warrants professional assessment to identify the cause and severity.
During a professional examination, your dentist or hygienist may carry out gum measurements (periodontal charting) to assess the health of the tissues around each tooth. This helps determine whether the inflammation is confined to the gums (gingivitis) or whether deeper structures may be affected.
Early intervention is important because it helps stabilise inflammation before it has the opportunity to progress. When gingivitis is identified and managed promptly, the outlook for gum health is generally favourable.
Professional Hygiene Treatment (Scale & Polish)
Professional hygiene treatment is the cornerstone of gingivitis management. It aims to reduce inflammation by removing the bacterial deposits that contribute to gum irritation. Treatment may include:
Professional Scale and Polish
Thorough removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline. This aims to reduce the bacterial load contributing to inflammation.
Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Hardened plaque (tartar) cannot be removed by brushing alone. Professional cleaning removes deposits from areas that are difficult to access at home.
Personalised Oral Hygiene Instruction
Your hygienist or dentist can provide tailored guidance on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and the use of adjunctive products to support your daily routine.
Monitoring of Gum Health
Follow-up assessments allow your dental team to track improvement, identify any areas of concern, and adjust your care plan as needed.
Professional hygiene treatment aims to reduce inflammation and may help improve gum health over time. Results depend on individual factors including the consistency of daily oral hygiene and attendance at follow-up appointments.
Establishing an Effective Home-Care Routine
Professional treatment and daily home care work together to support gum health. While professional cleaning addresses plaque and tartar that has already formed, an effective daily routine helps prevent new build-up between appointments.
- Brush thoroughly twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles toward the gumline to help remove plaque where it accumulates most
- Clean between your teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss to reach areas that a toothbrush cannot access effectively
- Replace your toothbrush or brush head every three months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed
- Attend routine dental check-ups and professional hygiene appointments at the frequency recommended by your dental team
- If you notice bleeding or changes in your gums, mention this at your next dental appointment rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen
Professional Hygiene Assessment
A professional dental hygiene assessment helps determine the severity of gingivitis and supports the development of a personalised care plan. Whether you have noticed bleeding when brushing, changes in the appearance of your gums, or would simply like a professional review, assessment is a positive first step.
Our dental team provides gum disease treatment including professional hygiene therapy and ongoing monitoring. We also offer general dentistry and preventive care for routine check-ups and hygiene appointments. If you are experiencing significant gum swelling or discomfort, our emergency dental assessment service is available.
Assessment and hygiene treatment for bleeding gums are available at our London clinics. You can attend our South Kensington dental clinic or our City of London clinic near St Paul's for a professional gum health review.
Can Gingivitis Be Reversed?
Gingivitis is considered the earliest stage of gum disease, and with appropriate professional treatment and consistent daily oral hygiene, gum inflammation may improve significantly. When the condition is identified and managed early — before the supporting bone has been affected — there is good potential for improvement.
However, it is important to understand that ongoing maintenance plays a central role. Gingivitis can recur if plaque is allowed to build up again, so continued attention to daily brushing, interdental cleaning, and regular professional appointments is essential.
If gingivitis is left unmanaged, there is a risk that it may progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. This is why early assessment and consistent follow-up are important for long-term gum health.
Preventing Bleeding Gums
While not all cases of gingivitis can be prevented, maintaining good oral health habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing gum inflammation:
- Schedule regular professional hygiene appointments to remove plaque and tartar build-up before it leads to inflammation
- Maintain effective daily brushing and interdental cleaning to control plaque at home
- If you smoke, consider seeking support for cessation — your dentist or GP can provide guidance on available options
- Attend routine dental check-ups to allow early identification of any changes in gum health
- Discuss any relevant medical conditions or medications with your dentist, as these may influence your gum health
