Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gums. It is the earliest stage of gum disease (periodontal disease) and develops when plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up on teeth, causing red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Plaque is a sticky material made up of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that builds up on the teeth both above and below the gums. If plaque is not removed, it can turn into a hard deposit called tartar, which can irritate and inflame the gums. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues. Other factors that can increase the risk of gingivitis include certain infections and systemic diseases, poor dental hygiene, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances.

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to much more serious gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss. Therefore, it is important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. Good oral health habits, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups, can help prevent and reverse gingivitis. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, and it is important to schedule an appointment with a dentist if any of these signs are noticed[[4]](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bo...