What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an inflammatory response in the gum tissue caused by bacterial plaque that collects on the teeth. As the plaque hardens into tartar, it irritates the gingival tissues, causing inflammation, puffiness, and bleeding. This condition is known as plaque induced gingivitis.

Gingivitis is reversible with early treatment and good oral hygiene, but if left untreated, it can progress into periodontal disease, a more serious gum infection that affects the bone and soft tissues supporting your teeth.

Common Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is often painless, which makes it easy to overlook. However, early warning signs may include:

• Red or puffy gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Receding gum line
• Spontaneous bleeding
• Swollen or tender gingival tissues

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of gingivitis, it’s important to schedule a visit with your dentist or dental hygienist as soon as possible.

Protect your oral health with early treatment. Call (713) 360-7700 to book an appointment with our Houston team today.

What Causes Gingivitis?

The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that allows dental plaque and tartar to build up on the tooth surface and near the gum line. When plaque remains on the teeth for too long, it triggers an immune response that inflames the gums.

Other contributing risk factors include:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Misaligned or crooked teeth
• Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies
• Use of birth control pills or calcium channel blockers
• Health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Genetic factors or developmental disorders
• Hormonal changes from pregnancy, puberty, or menopause
• Certain medications that reduce saliva

Bacterial infection from plaque and tartar causes gingival inflammation and, if not removed, can lead to more serious gum disease.

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How Gingivitis Is Diagnosed

Dr. Rushi Dave and our team use clinical exams and periodontal probing to evaluate the health of your gum tissue. Diagnosis may include:

• Measuring pocket depth between teeth and gums
• Checking for spontaneous bleeding or puffy gums
• Identifying the presence of dental plaque or calculus
• Evaluating gum color, contour, and texture
• Reviewing medical history and medications

We also use tools like the gingival index to assess inflammation levels in the oral cavity and identify early-stage inflammatory periodontal disease.

Treatment Options for Gingivitis

Gingivitis is treatable and, in most cases, completely reversible with prompt care and a strong oral hygiene routine. Treatment at Dentistry of Highland Village may include:

Professional Dental Cleaning

A dental hygienist performs a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Scaling removes tartar buildup, especially near the gum line and along root surfaces.

Root Planing

In some cases, root planing may be used to smooth rough areas on the teeth, allowing healthy gum tissue to reattach and heal.

Oral Hygiene Guidance

Our team will help you improve your brushing and flossing techniques and recommend antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria in the oral cavity.

Ongoing Monitoring

Patients are encouraged to schedule regular dental checkups to monitor their gingival health and prevent gum disease from returning.

Stop gingivitis before it becomes something worse. Call (713) 360-7700 now to schedule a cleaning and evaluation.

How to Prevent Gingivitis

Prevention starts with consistent daily care and regular dental visits. Here are a few essential habits that support gum health:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Use a mouth rinse to reduce bacteria
• Avoid smoking and tobacco use
• Eat a balanced diet with sufficient vitamins
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings

These steps help reduce plaque formation, lower your risk of gingival diseases, and maintain healthy soft tissues in the mouth.

What Happens If Gingivitis Goes Untreated?

Untreated gingivitis can lead to more serious complications including:

• Periodontal disease
• Bone loss around the teeth
• Tooth mobility or loose teeth
• Permanent damage to gum tissue and underlying tissue
• Tooth loss
• Increased systemic health risks linked to inflammation

As gingivitis progresses, treatment becomes more complex and may involve flap surgery, bone grafts, or dental implants to restore damage. Early detection is critical to reverse gingivitis and avoid invasive procedures.

Gingivitis and Dental Implants

Patients considering dental implants need healthy gum tissue and strong bone structure. Gingival inflammation and bacterial plaque increase the risk of peri-implantitis—a type of gum infection around implants.

Before placing implants, Dr. Rushi Dave ensures that gingival tissues are healthy and free of disease. We provide guidance on oral hygiene practices to support implant success long-term.

If you think you may have gingivitis, don’t delay care. Contact our Houston office at (713) 360-7700 to schedule your visit.