Gingivitis facts for kids

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of inflammation that affects your gums. It makes your gums red, swollen, and sometimes they might bleed easily. It's usually caused by not cleaning your teeth well enough.

If you don't treat gingivitis, it can get worse and lead to a more serious gum disease called periodontitis. This can damage the bone that supports your teeth, which is much harder to fix.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis means your gums are inflamed. Think of it like a small irritation or swelling. Your gums are the soft, pink tissues around your teeth. When they get gingivitis, they might look puffy, turn a darker red, or bleed when you brush or floss.

This condition is very common. Many people have it without even knowing, because it often doesn't cause pain in its early stages. But it's important to pay attention to these signs.

What Causes Gingivitis?

The main cause of gingivitis is a sticky film called plaque. Plaque is always forming on your teeth. It's full of bacteria. If you don't brush and floss regularly, plaque builds up.

• Plaque buildup: When plaque stays on your teeth, the bacteria in it release acids and toxins. These irritate your gums, causing them to become inflamed.
• Tartar: If plaque isn't removed, it can harden into something called tartar (also known as calculus). Tartar is much harder to remove than plaque. Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar. Tartar creates a rough surface where more plaque can stick, making the problem worse.
• Other factors: Sometimes, other things can make you more likely to get gingivitis. These include certain health conditions, some medications, or even hormonal changes.

How to Prevent and Treat Gingivitis

The good news is that gingivitis is often easy to prevent and treat. It mostly comes down to good oral hygiene.

• Brush your teeth: Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth and gently along your gum line.
• Floss daily: Flossing once a day helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gum line. These are places your toothbrush can't reach.
• Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups. They can remove plaque and tartar that you might have missed. They can also spot any problems early.
• Healthy habits: Eating a balanced diet and avoiding sugary snacks can also help keep your gums healthy.

Sometimes, people brush too hard or floss incorrectly. This can also irritate the gums and cause them to pull away from the teeth. Your dentist can show you the best way to brush and floss.

What Happens if Gingivitis Isn't Treated?

If gingivitis is ignored, it can become more serious. The inflammation can spread deeper into the tissues and bone that support your teeth. This is when it turns into periodontitis.

• Gum pockets: In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming "pockets." These pockets collect more plaque and bacteria.
• Bone damage: The infection and inflammation can start to destroy the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place.
• Tooth loss: If enough bone is lost, your teeth can become loose and may even fall out. This is why treating gingivitis early is so important!

Taking care of your gums is a big part of keeping your whole mouth healthy.

Images for kids

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  Gingivitis before (top) and after (bottom) a thorough mechanical debridement of the teeth

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  Analgesic and antiseptic gum paint with applicator buds used in treatment of gingivitis

See also

In Spanish: Gingivitis para niños