So what is gingivitis? Do you know the symptoms? Are you at risk? This is the place to find out more.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a minor inflammation of the gums caused by plaque at the gum line and is the earliest and most easily treatable form of gum disease.

Nine out of ten Canadians will experience gingivitis at least once in their lives.

Signs of gingivitis can include plaque accumulation and red bleeding or swollen gums. There is often minimal pain, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious periodontal (gum) disease.

Gingivitis starts when bacterial plaque builds up at the gum line. If it is not removed daily, it hardens and becomes tartar. Eventually, tartar breaks down the tissues and bones supporting the teeth, which creates a breeding ground for infection and can eventually lead to tooth loss.


What are the risk factors associated with gingivitis?

Factors that make people more susceptible to gingivitis include:

  • Plaque build-up: Unless it is removed on a daily basis, plaque hardens into gingivitis-inducing tartar.
  • Stress: Stress makes it more difficult for the body to combat infections and gum disease.
  • Hormones: Puberty, pregnancy and menopause affect all bodily tissues, including the gums.
  • Nutrition: The body needs essential nutrients to prevent and fight off gingivitis and other infections.
  • Gender: Gingivitis is more prevalent among males than females.
  • Systemic diseases: Diseases in which the immune system is compromised, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and anemia, may all accelerate gingivitis.

To find out if you're at risk for gingivitis, take the Gingivitis Quiz

How can gingivitis be prevented and treated?

First, visit your dental professional to get a thorough cleaning to remove tartar and find out specific problem areas to target. Then, be sure to follow a complete customized oral care routine. This might include brushing, flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash like LISTERINE® for 30 seconds twice daily.

Why LISTERINE®

LISTERINE® contains three essential oils that kill plaque organisms: Eucalyptol, Thymol and Menthol. Clinical studies show that its liquid action reaches between the teeth and gums, killing the germs that cause plaque and gingivitis within 30 seconds of contact. In fact, LISTERINE® is clinically proven to reduce gingivitis by up to 34% over your usual dental routine without LISTERINE®. What also makes LISTERINE® unique is that it is the only non-prescription mouthrinse that is recognized by the Canadian Dental Association to reduce and prevent the progression of gingivitis when used in proper oral hygiene regimen.

To see how rinsing with LISTERINE® works to prevent and eliminate gingivitis, click here

What is the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association's position on gingivitis and gum disease?

The CDHA believes that oral health is linked to overall health. Like smoking, elevated cholesterol or obesity, periodontal (gum and bone) disease may be linked to a number of serious health conditions. In recent studies, gum disease has been associated with:

  • heart disease and stroke
  • pneumonia and other respiratory diseases
  • diabetes
  • premature, low birth weight babies

This is possible for those with gum disease because the simple act of brushing the teeth or chewing gum can injure gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream. It is believed that these bacteria may travel to other parts of the body, potentially worsening or causing other types of health problems.