Gingivitis is common. The usual sign is bleeding when you brush, but the gums can also look red, puffy and feel tender. The good news is that early gingivitis often settles with consistent home care.
Why gums become inflamed#
The usual cause is plaque, the bacterial film that builds up along the gum line and on tooth surfaces. If it is not removed regularly, the gums react with inflammation. Smoking, stress, some medicines and hormonal changes can make the problem easier to trigger.
If plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed at home. At that point professional cleaning is needed.
What helps at home#
Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush. The key is not force. A firm brush or hard pressure does not clean gums better and can make them more irritated.
Clean between the teeth every day with floss, interdental brushes or another suitable method. Gums may bleed more at first, especially if cleaning has been neglected, but that often improves as the inflammation calms down.
Mouth rinses are only support#
A mouth rinse can support treatment, but it does not replace brushing and interdental cleaning. An antiseptic rinse is usually for short use, while fluoride rinses can fit into daily care if needed.
When to seek care#
Seek care if the bleeding does not improve after one to two weeks of better home care, if the gums are very swollen or painful, if there is pus, or if teeth start to feel loose. Professional cleaning is often needed to get things back on track.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: