Gingivitis — Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

What is Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammatory gum disease that manifests as swelling, redness, and bleeding. It often accompanies other conditions, such as periodontitis — inflammation of the tooth root and surrounding tissues. In some cases, the inflammatory process spreads from deeper structures to the gum surface, causing significant discomfort and aesthetic issues.
The causes of gingivitis can be both local and systemic. In addition to oral inflammatory diseases, it is often linked to hormonal changes, explaining its high prevalence among teenagers and pregnant women.

Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis most often develops due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup, which harbors millions of bacteria. Other contributing factors include smoking, excessive sugar consumption, gum injuries from hard toothbrushes or improperly placed fillings, vitamin C deficiency, chronic diseases such as diabetes or anemia, and hormonal changes. Regardless of the initial trigger, the pathogenesis is always linked to the proliferation of pathogenic microflora and the response of periodontal tissues.

Prevalence of Gingivitis in Europe and the CIS — Research Data

Epidemiological studies confirm that gingivitis is one of the most common dental diseases in both children and adults.
In Greece, among adolescents aged 13–16, 72.8% were diagnosed with gingivitis, with 22.6% having a localized form and 7.0% a generalized form (Thieme-Connect).

In Romania, among schoolchildren aged 10–17, signs of gum inflammation were found in 91% of study participants, occurring more frequently in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds (PubMed).

A review of data across Europe shows that up to 70% of children over the age of seven have signs of gingivitis (EJPD).

In Russia, periodontal diseases occur in 56.4% of schoolchildren, with chronic catarrhal gingivitis accounting for 80.3% of these cases (CyberLeninka).

Forms of Gingivitis

Clinically, gingivitis is classified into acute, which develops quickly with pronounced symptoms, and chronic, which progresses slowly with periods of exacerbation, often in autumn and winter. Based on its spread, it can be localized, affecting specific gum areas, or generalized, involving all gums of one or both jaws. The form and stage determine treatment strategy and prognosis.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Key symptoms include gum redness and swelling, bleeding when brushing teeth or eating, bad breath, itching or burning, and discomfort when chewing. As it progresses, gum recession may occur, exposing tooth necks and increasing sensitivity.

Treatment of Gingivitis

Gingivitis treatment is a set of measures aimed at eliminating inflammation and restoring gum health. It begins with professional oral hygiene, removing tartar and plaque using ultrasound and Air Flow systems. Next, antiseptic and healing applications are prescribed, along with rinses containing chlorhexidine or herbal decoctions. Caries treatment and correction of defective fillings may follow. If needed, physiotherapy such as laser or ultrasound therapy is used. Patient education on proper brushing technique and personalized hygiene tools is an essential part of the process.

Methods of Gingivitis Treatment:

Professional Teeth Cleaning

At the first stage, the dentist removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and beneath the gums using ultrasound and Air Flow technology. This reduces pathogenic bacteria and eliminates the main cause of inflammation. The procedure is painless and can improve gum condition within days.

Topical Therapy (Gels, Applications)

Special dental gels and ointments with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties are used to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing. These are applied to the gums through direct application or massaged into the tissue after professional cleaning.

Antiseptic Rinses

After plaque removal, patients are advised to rinse with chlorhexidine, miramistin, hydrogen peroxide, or herbal solutions like chamomile, sage, or calendula. These inhibit bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and prevent reinfection.

Treating Sources of Infection

Gingivitis is often sustained by chronic oral infection sites — carious cavities, poorly fitted fillings, or inflamed wisdom teeth. Eliminating these is essential for successful treatment and relapse prevention.

Physiotherapy

To speed tissue recovery and improve gum blood circulation, treatments such as laser therapy, ultrasound, darsonvalization, or microcurrent stimulation are used. These reduce swelling, decrease bleeding, and promote mucosal regeneration.

Correction of Oral Hygiene Habits

Even the most effective treatment will fail without proper daily oral care. Dentists teach brushing techniques and select the right toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, or irrigator for each patient. This helps maintain results and prevent recurrence.

Prevention of Gingivitis

Consistent and proper oral hygiene is the key to prevention. Teeth should be brushed twice daily with a quality toothbrush and toothpaste, and interdental spaces should be cleaned with floss or an irrigator. Reducing sugar and soda intake is important, as is visiting a dentist every six months.

Preventive Measures:

• brush teeth twice daily;
• use dental floss or an irrigator;
• reduce sugar intake;
• regular dental check-ups;
• professional cleaning 1–2 times a year.

Gingivitis and Overall Health

Modern research shows that chronic gum inflammation can affect overall health. It is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, worsened diabetes control, and negative effects on pregnancy outcomes. Treating gingivitis is not only about dental aesthetics but also an important element of systemic disease prevention.

Gingivitis Treatment at Diplomat Med Center

At Diplomat Med Center, we specialize in comprehensive gingivitis treatment, combining modern technology, experienced doctors, and a personalized approach. Our specialists perform accurate periodontal diagnostics using digital equipment, develop customized therapy plans, and explain every treatment step.
We use gentle yet effective techniques: professional cleaning with ultrasound and Air Flow, laser and ultrasonic therapy to quickly relieve inflammation and restore tissues. If necessary, we perform minimally invasive surgical procedures. We focus on teaching proper oral hygiene to maintain results and prevent recurrence.

In addition to gingivitis treatment, at Diplomat Med Center you can receive cavity prevention, bite correction, dental treatment, professional cleaning, and other dental services. This comprehensive approach not only cures gingivitis but also preserves the health and beauty of your smile for years.

Book your appointment at Diplomat Med Center today — we will help you eliminate gum inflammation, restore comfort, and give you confidence in your smile.

Book your appointment at Diplomat Med Center today — we will help keep your gums healthy and give your smile confidence.