If your gums are red, puffy and bleed easily, you may have gingivitis. Gingivitis symptoms is the early stage of gum disease and should be treated as soon as you notice symptoms. The sooner you seek care, the more likely you will be to reverse any damage and avoid the progression to periodontitis.
Redness and Swelling
Gingivitis is usually a mild condition that may go away on its own with good oral hygiene and a visit to the dentist every six months. However, it can also progress to a more serious gum disease known as periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss if not treated.
In the early stages of gingivitis, your gum tissue will become red and puffy due to the inflammation. This is a clear sign that the gingiva is irritated and inflamed because of a buildup of plaque, which is a colorless to pale yellow sticky biofilm that contains bacteria.
Symptoms of gingivitis can be worsened if you are pregnant, experience hormonal changes in your life, use certain medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin) for epileptic seizures or some calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure, smoke or have an infection in the mouth like thrush (candida). If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to underlying tissue and bone, which is more severe than gingivitis.
Bleeding
Gingivitis is a mild infection that causes red, swollen gums. They may bleed easily, especially when you brush or floss. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dental professional right away. They will be able to remove any lingering bacteria from your gums and give you instructions on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home to prevent gingivitis from returning.
The underlying cause of gingivitis is bacterial plaque. Plaque irritates the gums and makes them sensitive. Over time, the irritated gums start to form pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria can get trapped in these pockets, causing more and more damage to the gums and bone around your teeth. This progresses into a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis.
Tenderness
Everyone has millions of bacteria in their mouth, and this is entirely normal. But when these bacteria build up on the teeth and irritate the gum tissue, gingivitis can develop. People with gingivitis have red, swollen and tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more advanced forms of gum disease such as periodontitis. This can lead to tooth loss, jawbone deterioration and other serious health problems.
The good news is that prompt treatment of gingivitis can reverse the symptoms and prevent it from advancing. Typically, the dentist will remove excess plaque during a professional dental cleaning and then you will be able to practice better oral hygiene at home to keep the bacteria in check. This includes brushing more thoroughly and using toothpastes that reduce plaque. You should also floss and use interproximal brushes to clean in-between the teeth. You may also find that your bad breath improves with treatment.
Bad Breath
Gingivitis often causes bad breath, a condition called halitosis. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria that irritates your gum tissue and makes it tender. This happens because you aren’t brushing and flossing regularly or are not doing a good job of removing plaque from your teeth and gums. You may also have hormonal changes that make you more sensitive to gingivitis, such as those from puberty, pregnancy or monthly menstruation.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that affects the bones that support your teeth. In the advanced stage of periodontitis, your gums pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that bacteria can live in. These pockets can lead to tooth loss and cause your mouth to smell like rotting meat or metal. If you have bad breath that doesn’t go away, visit your dentist for a gingivitis diagnosis and treatment plan. They will likely recommend better oral hygiene habits and a different mouthwash.