Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common problem that usually starts with plaque and tartar. Your gums may become red, swollen and bleed when you brush your teeth. Often you don't notice the problems at first - but untreated inflammation can lead to tooth loss.

"Gingivitis often starts unnoticed but can have serious consequences if left untreated. The good news is that it can almost always be prevented and healed at an early stage."
- Noel Abdayem, Chief Dental Officer at Dentme

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis means that the gums have become inflamed due to bacterial deposits (plaque) along the gum line. If the plaque is not removed with a toothbrush and floss, the gums start to react - they become red, swollen and bleed easily.

The inflammation is reversible in its early stages, but if left untreated it can develop into periodontitis - a chronic disease that attacks the supporting tissue of the tooth and can lead to tooth loss.

Symptoms to watch out for

- Bleeding when brushing or flossing

- Red, sore orswollen gums

-Bad taste or smell in the mouth

- Feeling of loose teeth (in case of more severe inflammation)

- Receding gums exposing tooth roots

Some people don't notice any symptoms at all in the beginning, making regular dental visits important.

What causes gingivitis?

The most common cause is insufficient cleaning, but several factors can increase the risk:

- Wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean (pericoronitis)

- Tobacco (smoking and snuff)

- Hormone changes (pregnancy, puberty, menopause)

- Diabetes or immune system disorders

- Medicines that cause dry mouth

- Vitamin C deficiency

- Stress, which affects the body's resistance to infection

How gingivitis is treated

For mild inflammation, treatment is simple and effective:

- Professional cleaning: Dentists or dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar.

- Oral hygiene instruction: You will receive individual advice on brushing and flossing or interdental brushing.

- Antibacterial treatment: In some cases, chlorhexidine or other bactericidal treatment is used for a limited time.

It's important to keep cleaning even if your gums are bleeding - stopping brushing will only make things worse.

In more advanced cases (periodontitis) is required:

- Deeper cleaning below the gum line

- Pocket depth measurement and possible X-ray

- Antibiotic treatment for infection

- Surgical treatment for severe periodontitis

How long does it take to heal?

In the case of mild inflammation, improvement is often seen after just a few days. Complete healing usually takes 1-2 weeks with good oral hygiene. More advanced periodontitis requires longer treatment and follow-up.

Is gingivitis dangerous?

The inflammation itself is not dangerous, but can have serious consequences if left untreated, such as the symptoms mentioned below.

- Tooth loss (periodontitis)

- Chronic infections of the mouth

- Increased risk of systemic diseasessuch as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature birth

This is because bacteria from the mouth can spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

How much does the treatment cost?

As a member of Dentme, treatment for gingivitis is included in your Membership (SEK 149/month).

At other clinics, a simple cleaning costs from around SEK 1 800. More advanced treatment for periodontitis may require several visits and thus higher costs. The treatment is usually covered by Försäkringskassan's dental care subsidy.

How to prevent inflammation of the gums

Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

- Use dental floss or interdental brush daily

- Do not rinse with water immediately after brushing (allows the fluoride to work longer)

- Go for regular check-ups

- Avoid tobacco and sugary drinks

- Use specially adapted aids if you have braces, implants or dentures

Frequently asked questions about gingivitis

How do I know if my gums are inflamed?
It bleeds when brushing, is red, swollen or sore. If you are unsure - book a check-up.

Can gingivitis go away on its own?
No, it doesn't. It requires better cleaning and sometimes professional treatment.

Is it normal for gums to bleed sometimes?
No. Bleeding is a clear sign of inflammation and should not be ignored.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is a superficial inflammation that can be cured. Periodontitis is a deeper, chronic inflammation that requires long-term treatment.

How quickly does gingivitis go away?
With proper care, often within 1-2 weeks. For more severe inflammation, it takes longer.

Is gingivitis dangerous for the heart?
There are strong links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Good oral hygiene is important for the whole body.

Can I use mouthwash instead of floss?
No, it doesn't. Mouthwash is a complement, but does not replace mechanical cleaning with floss.

Is gingivitis common in young people?
Yes, it is. Particularly in the case of hormonal changes or if cleaning is neglected. Good habits at a young age are crucial.

Sources used by Dentme:

1177 Vårdguiden - Gingivitis (gingivitis)
https://www.1177.se/Stockholm/sjukdomar--besvar/mun-och-tander/tandkott/tandkottinflammation-gingivit/ 

National Board of Health and Welfare - National guidelines for dental care
https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/regler-och-riktlinjer/nationella-riktlinjer/tandvard/ 

Tandläkartidningen - Articles on gingivitis and periodontitis
https://www.tandlakartidningen.se/taggar/parodontit/ 

NHS UK - Gum disease

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/

NHS UK - Bleeding gums in pregnancy

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/bleeding-gums/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC provides information on gum disease, including risk factors and prevention measures.
https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html

Statistics and facts about the prevalence of gum disease in the United States.
https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-gum-disease.htmlCDC+1CDC+1

Information on how smoking affects gum health and increases the risk of tooth loss. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html