Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a severe gum infection that can cause tooth loss and destruction of the jawbone. All gum disease begins after bacteria in the mouth create a thin layer of film, called plaque, that sits on the teeth. The longer plaque sits, the higher the likelihood it will harden, become tartar, and inflame and infect the gums. Proper dental care is crucial to preventing gingivitis, and it can be helpful to know some of the common signs of the condition.

A Guide to Gingivitis Symptoms

1. Swollen Gums

Gums will often become visibly redder and puffier when gingival plaque is present. Swollen gums are a classic sign of inflammation, an indicator that your immune system is sending additional blood cells to the affected area to fend off the influx of bad bacteria. Swollen gums may be sore or tender, and they might bleed when brushing or flossing.

2. Longer Teeth

If you notice your teeth getting longer, gum disease is likely the cause. Over time, gingival plaque can force the gums to recede, which means less gum tissue covers the teeth. As a result, teeth will appear longer than they once did.  

If gingivitis has reached this point, it's typically time to visit a dental care professional for a deep cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tissue pockets that sometimes develop in between teeth. When these pockets form, they collect bacteria and worsen gum issues.

3. Bad Breath

The mouth is a delicate ecosystem that requires the right balance of bacteria. The increase that comes with gingivitis can throw off this balance and produce bad breath. While mouthwash and other dental care products can help mask bad breath, it will only be eradicated when the cause—gingivitis—is addressed.

More diligent brushing and flossing, rinsing with fluoride and antibacterial mouthwashes, and regular dentist visits can all help reverse gingivitis.

Always see your dentist if you're concerned about gingivitis. Lowitz & Meier have been providing dental care services to the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area for over three decades. They offer preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments, including exams, root canals, dentures, and teeth whitening procedures. Call (513) 521-8900 or visit them online to make an appointment.