Gingivitis Symptoms

Signs and symptoms
... Because early-stage gum disease is seldom painful, you can have gingivitis without even knowing it. Often, though, you''re likely to have warning signs such as: Swollen, soft, red gums. Gums that blee...

Causes
... Gingivitis begins with plaque. This invisible, sticky film, composed primarily of bacteria, forms on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Br...

Gingivitis Prevention

Prevention
... The best way to prevent gingivitis is a program of good dental hygiene, one that you begin early and practice consistently throughout life. That means brushing your teeth at least twice daily — ...

Gingivitis Treatment

Complications
... Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss and may even increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. What''s more...

Treatment
... Your dentist may treat gingivitis in several ways, but the first step is to thoroughly clean your teeth, removing all traces of plaque and tartar — a procedure known as scaling. The cleaning may...

Gingivitis Other

Overview
... If your gums are swollen, tender and bleed easily when you brush your teeth, you''re not alone — nearly 80 percent of American adults have some form of gum (periodontal) disease. One of the most...

Gum Disease
...  What is gum disease? Gum disease is an infection of the gums, the pink tissues that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease is usually painless and starts as swelling, called gingivitis. Gin...