Gingivitis: when your gums ask for help
Inflamed gums — clinically known as gingivitis — are among the most common dental problems. It is estimated that over 50% of adults have some degree of gum inflammation, often without knowing it. The reason is simple: in the early stages, it doesn’t hurt.
The most frequent signal is bleeding gums during brushing or flossing. Many people ignore it, or stop using floss “so as not to cause damage”. This is exactly the opposite of what’s needed: gums bleed because they are inflamed, and the way to reduce inflammation is to keep the area clean.
The main causes of inflamed gums
The root of the problem is almost always the same: tartar. The bacterial plaque that forms on teeth every day, if not thoroughly removed, mineralises within 10–20 days and becomes tartar — a hard, porous, bacteria-laden substance that no toothbrush can eliminate. Tartar accumulates especially at and below the gum line, creating an ideal environment for bacteria that irritate and inflame the tissue.
Other causes that worsen or predispose to gum inflammation:
- Smoking — reduces blood flow to the gums, masking bleeding and delaying diagnosis
- Poorly controlled diabetes — impairs the immune response to oral bacteria
- Hormonal therapy or pregnancy — hormonal changes make gums more reactive to inflammation
- Medications — some antihypertensives, anticonvulsants and immunosuppressants promote gingival hyperplasia
- Genetic predisposition — some people produce tartar more rapidly than others
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) — saliva has bacteriostatic functions; its reduction favours bacteria
Inflamed gums: symptoms to recognise
- Gums that are red or darker than usual (pale pink is the healthy colour)
- Swelling and a feeling of tension along the gum line
- Bleeding during brushing, flossing or even spontaneously
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with toothpaste or mouthwash
- Sensitivity to heat, cold or pressure along the gum margin
- Gums that appear to recede, leaving more of the tooth exposed
Natural remedies: what actually works (and what doesn’t)
Some remedies — salt water rinses, coconut oil, aloe vera, propolis — have a partial scientific basis as temporary support: they can slightly reduce the number of oral bacteria and ease discomfort in the short term.
The truth is that no natural remedy removes tartar. If inflammation is caused by subgingival tartar accumulation — which is the case in most situations — not even chlorhexidine mouthwash alone resolves the problem definitively. Home remedies are useful as daily maintenance hygiene, not as an alternative to professional care.
Receding gums: a signal not to underestimate
Gingival recession — when gums “pull back” exposing the tooth root — is one of the most concerning signs. Teeth look longer, sensitivity to cold and heat appears, and in some cases the dentine/enamel boundary becomes clearly visible.
The most frequent causes are advanced periodontitis, but also overly aggressive brushing or use of hard bristles. Depending on the extent of recession, treatment may include conservative periodontal therapy, modification of home hygiene technique, or in more advanced cases a gingival graft.
When to see the dentist
You shouldn’t wait for pain before booking a visit. Inflamed gums rarely cause much pain during the phase when they are still easily treatable. These are the signs that require a visit within 1–2 weeks:
- Bleeding gums persisting for more than two weeks despite good hygiene
- Visible or persistent swelling even away from mealtimes
- Teeth that seem to “lengthen” or gums that are receding
- Mobility of one or more teeth
- Chronic bad breath not resolvable with normal oral hygiene
- Pus or abscess along the gum line
- Pain when chewing
At our practice the journey begins with a periodontal screening: a complete assessment of gum health using a periodontal probe, included in the professional cleaning session. In just a few minutes we can precisely determine whether we are dealing with simple gingivitis or periodontitis requiring a specific treatment plan.
Are your gums bleeding or receding?
Book a professional cleaning visit with periodontal screening.
Article written by Dr. Luigi di Bari, Dental Studio in Manfredonia (FG). Last updated: November 2025.
