Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and a major cause of tooth loss among adults. It starts when plaque bacteria stay on the teeth longer than the body can remove them, causing the gum tissue (gingiva) to become irritated and swollen. It’s a common condition, but with good oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone and ligament that support the teeth.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include bad breath, red and swollen gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing, and sensitive or loose teeth. It also may cause a persistent bad taste in the mouth and difficulty chewing or swallowing.

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While it can be caused by a number of factors, most often gingivitis is a result of poor oral health habits including not brushing and flossing regularly. Stress, medications such as birth control pills and steroids, hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, crooked teeth that are hard to clean, and conditions that reduce immunity such as leukemia and HIV/AIDS can also lead to gingivitis.

Non-plaque-induced gingivitis can be the first clinical sign of a viral or bacterial infection, allergic reaction, or mucocutaneous disorders such as lichen planus and bullous pemphigoid. It is characterized by a deepening of the sulcus between the tooth and gingiva, a band of red inflamed gingiva with a knife-edge appearance, edema, and readily induced bleeding on probing. It can be cured with proper home care and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning, where plaque, tartar and staining are removed.