Gum Inflammation: Causes and Signs

Red, spongy gums and blood on the toothbrush — many people encounter this. And the first question is usually this: is it a trifle that will go away on its own, or is it already a problem. Let's calmly sort out what is happening and when it's time to see a dentist.

What gum inflammation is

Doctors call gum inflammation gingivitis. It is inflammation of the gum without disruption of the integrity of the dentogingival junction. Gingivitis is an early form of periodontal diseases, while periodontitis is already inflammation and infection that destroy the tissues holding the tooth: the gum, ligaments, and bone. Gingivitis is very common, and many people have some degree of it.

What inflamed gums look like: red and spongy gums

An inflamed gum looks bright red or reddish-purple; it is swollen and shiny. On touch it is soft and painful, although at rest it often hardly hurts. The main signs:

• blood when brushing teeth, when using floss, and even when chewing hard food, for example an apple;
• swelling and redness of the gum; it seems spongy and puffy;
• bad breath and an unpleasant taste;
• soft and hard deposits at the base of the teeth;
• sometimes mouth ulcers.

In the chronic course, a person feels almost no pain; the inflammation drags on indolently and is found by chance — at a preventive examination. Periodically there is bleeding when brushing, slight redness, and swelling of the gingival papillae.

What makes gums inflamed

The cause is plaque on the teeth. It is a sticky mass of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that accumulates on the teeth and above and below the gum. If plaque is not removed regularly, it turns into hard calculus that gets stuck at the base of the tooth. Plaque and calculus irritate the gum, and an excess of bacteria and their toxins cause swelling and soreness — this is a normal inflammatory reaction, part of the immune response.

Risk is increased by poor hygiene, smoking, pregnancy (hormones make the gum more sensitive), uncontrolled diabetes, certain infections and systemic diseases, malocclusion, rough edges of fillings, poorly fitting or uncleaned appliances — braces, dentures, bridges, crowns, and the use of certain medications. This list also includes vitamin C deficiency, past acute respiratory infections, influenza, and tonsillitis, and age from 3 to 6 years. Gingivitis often begins during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes.

Gum inflammation near one tooth

If the gum becomes red and swollen near one tooth or in one area, the dentist during examination assesses what exactly is irritating the gum. Risk factors include dental calculus, rough edges of fillings, poorly fitting or uncleaned appliances and dentures — braces, bridges, crowns — as well as malocclusion.

What gum inflammation leads to and when a dentist is needed

If the inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to bad breath and an unpleasant taste, gum recession, tooth mobility and tooth loss, and abscess. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, return again, and cause infection or abscess of the gum and jawbone. Bleeding and soreness usually decrease within 1–2 weeks after professional cleaning and good home care.

People go to the dentist if gums bleed when brushing or when chewing hard food, if they hurt and are swollen, if there is bad breath, if a child's gums hurt and bleed. Separately — if there is redness and swelling and there has been no routine cleaning and examination in the last 6 months. The doctor examines the teeth and gums, uses a probe to check whether it is gingivitis or periodontitis, and if necessary orders an X-ray. It is necessary to see a dentist even if nothing is bothering you, and обязательно — if there has been no examination for 2 years (for persons under 18 — one year).

Gum inflammation by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103/112 — only for life-threatening conditions; for severe pain and swelling of the gums, loose teeth, ulcers or red spots in the mouth, or a growth on the gum or lip, an urgent appointment with a dentist is needed.

This material is for reference: it helps to understand what is happening, but does not replace a doctor's consultation — the final answer is given by the dentist after examination.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer