What is gum inflammation?
Gum inflammation (gingivitis) is the gums’ reaction to plaque and tartar building up at the gum line. Healthy gums are light pink and firm; inflamed gums turn red, swell and bleed easily when you brush.
The signs to watch for
Bleeding when brushing or flossing, redness and swelling, persistent bad breath, sensitivity at the gum line, or a feeling that the gum is pulling away from the tooth. Early gum inflammation is usually painless, which is why many people delay treatment.
Why it happens
The main cause is plaque and tartar. The risk rises with smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, pregnancy and hormonal changes, a dry mouth, and restorations or fillings whose edges are hard to clean.
When does it become serious?
Left untreated, inflammation can spread from the gums to the bone that holds the teeth, a condition called periodontitis. Its signs are pockets between gum and tooth, receding gums and, over time, loosening teeth. At that stage a routine cleaning is no longer enough.
How gum inflammation is treated
Most gum inflammation improves clearly within about two weeks of a professional cleaning that removes tartar above and below the gum line, combined with correct home care. If the bone is involved, a deep cleaning below the gums (scaling and root planing) and follow-up measurements are needed, and advanced cases are referred to a gum specialist.
Mouthwashes and medication can help temporarily, but they do not remove the cause. Without removing the tartar, the inflammation returns.
Gums and cosmetic dentistry
Every cosmetic treatment, whether veneers, crowns or whitening, must start with healthy gums. A veneer or crown placed on inflamed gums can end up with dark margins or receding gums later, which is why gum treatment always comes first.
Prevention
Brush twice a day with attention to the gum line, clean between the teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes, stop smoking, and have a cleaning and check-up about every six months, or more often if you have a history of gum inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for gums to bleed when I brush? No. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation; the answer is not to stop brushing but a professional cleaning and correct brushing.
Does gum inflammation go away by itself? Mild inflammation can improve with good care, but if the cause is hardened tartar it only resolves with a professional cleaning.
Where can I get gum inflammation treated? Dr. Ali Majki’s current clinic: Aline Dental, Shaab, Kuwait.
