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A woman looks at herself in the bathroom mirror and points to her gums; a toothbrush and soap lie on the edge of the washbasin, symbolising gum inflammationA woman looks at herself in the bathroom mirror and points to her gums; a toothbrush and soap lie on the edge of the washbasin, symbolising gum inflammation

Inflamed gums : Gum inflammation – what should you do?

Recognising and treating gingivitis  

Updated on 21/05/26
Find out more
Editorially reviewed
Scientifically reviewed

If you notice blood during your daily dental care routine, it can be a sign of inflamed gums. And you’re not alone: almost every adult experiences what’s known as gingivitis from time to time – often without even noticing, as gum inflammation isn’t always painful.

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Toothpaste containing 20% biomimetic enamel (hydroxyapatite/HAP) for daily oral care and healthy gums

Bioniq Repair toothpaste with gum protection, in blue and white packaging and a tube, both featuring a pink plus sign.
  • Improves gum health
  • Suitable for periodontitis
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Causes : What causes gingivitis?

In most cases, acute or chronic gum inflammation is caused by bacteria. It is perfectly natural for bacteria to be present in the mouth: in fact, around 1,000 different species live there. They form part of the oral flora and are useful for a number of purposes, including digestion and defending against disease-causing germs. 

Under certain conditions, however, some bacteria can multiply excessively and trigger an inflammatory response: 

  • Step 1 : Plaque forms

    Bacteria combine with components of saliva and food residues to form a sticky film on the tooth surfaces and along the gumline – known as biofilm.

    Within this film, the bacteria are well protected from external influences. If it is not removed regularly and thoroughly, more food particles build up in it and dental plaque forms.

  • Step 2: Bacteria multiply

    With poor oral hygiene, not only is plaque left behind, but food residues also remain in the mouth. This allows bacteria to multiply rapidly, as they find ideal conditions there.

    The food residues serve as a source of nutrition for them. During metabolism, acids are produced that attack the tooth enamel, and some bacteria are able to produce toxins that irritate the gums.

  • Step 3: Gum inflammation develops

    A lot of bacteria collect particularly where the gum meets the tooth, known as the gum margin. Between the tooth and the gum there is a small groove only a few millimetres deep. In specialist terminology, this area is called the sulcus.

    It provides the ideal place for bacteria, acids and food residues to build up. If bacteria that produce inflammation-promoting substances settle here, the immune system responds with an inflammatory reaction: gingivitis.

Symptoms : How can I tell if I have gum inflammation?

Close-up of teeth with inflamed, reddened gums on one tooth, indicating gingivitis; recognise this as a sign of gingivitis

Acute gum inflammation often goes unnoticed, as it usually doesn't cause any pain. It's estimated that around 80 per cent of all adults have gingivitis without even realising it. However, if the gum inflammation doesn't clear up over a longer period of time (from seven days onwards), it becomes chronic and can then also cause pain. As a result, the gums can also recede, leaving the tooth necks exposed and making the teeth appear longer.

To prevent gingivitis from becoming chronic in the first place, you can look out for certain signs and quickly determine whether you have gum inflammation: 

  • The colour of the gums: Healthy gums are pale pink and smooth. Inflammation, on the other hand, is characterised by redness and swelling. 
  • Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or bite into an apple? This could also be a sign of inflammation. 
  • Chronic gingivitis causes noticeable pain.
  • Bad breath is another sign of chronic gum inflammation. 
  • In particularly severe cases, pus may also form and further physical reactions, such as fever, may occur.

Periodontitis vs. Gingivitis : Gingivitis or periodontitis – how do these gum diseases differ?

An enlarged close-up shows severely reddened, inflamed gums, with a scale in micrometres to help distinguish between gingivitis and periodontitis

Bleeding gums are usually dismissed as harmless and ignored, especially as they are only rarely associated with pain. However, harmless gingivitis can quickly develop into dangerous periodontitis.

Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, is caused by inadequate dental care: bacteria in the mouth are not fully removed and trigger an inflammatory reaction along the gumline. With thorough and regular oral hygiene, the problem can usually be brought back under control quickly.

Periodontitis is a much more complex condition: unlike gingivitis, it is irreversible and is often caused by untreated gingivitis. 

Regular dental care is also important here to slow down the progression of the condition. However, treatment cannot be carried out without a dentist, as the bacteria have penetrated deep into the gum tissue and can no longer be removed by a toothbrush, interdental brush or dental floss. 

  • Whilst gingivitis rarely has any serious consequences and the bacterial infection is mainly limited to the gum line, with periodontitis the entire tooth-supporting structure is infected with bacteria. 

    This can result in teeth becoming loose or even falling out. 

Treatment : What should you do if you have gum inflammation, and when should you see a dentist?

Close-up of a dental mirror; in the blurred background, a dental unit with a lamp and instruments, symbolising the treatment of gum inflammation at the dentist

With thorough and gentle oral hygiene, gingivitis often clears within a few weeks:  

  • General dental care, which involves brushing your teeth twice a day (morning and evening) and cleaning between your teeth daily with dental floss or an interdental brush, should always be followed.  
  • A mouthwash containing nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, helps to keep your gums healthy. 

In addition, there are other measures that can help the healing process and are easy to carry out at home: 

  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles so the gums are not irritated further.
  • Special ointments can be applied to the gums to reduce the bacterial load.
  • Chamomile tea is recommended as a home remedy for inflammation. Other herbs such as sage, myrrh or thyme may also provide relief.

  • If your gingivitis does not improve despite following a proper oral hygiene routine, you should see a dentist.  

    The dentist will use the Periodontal Screening Index (PSI) to check whether the gum inflammation has already led to an increased risk of periodontitis. The dentist will also remove plaque from the teeth, gum pockets and gums, and lightly polish the tooth surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to adhere to them. 

Risk factors : What causes gum inflammation?

Although poor oral hygiene is the biggest risk factor, there are other factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease: 

  • The likelihood of gingivitis is twice as high in smokers as in non-smokers.
  • The risk increases with age, as natural saliva production decreases.
  • Mouth breathing dries out the mouth and increases the risk of gingivitis.
  • Vitamin C deficiency, as well as pre-existing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, leukaemia or HIV, increase the risk.
  • Major hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or puberty, can also lead to inflamed gums.

Bioniq® : Products for inflamed gums

Bioniq® Repair Toothpaste Plus Gum Protection

Toothpaste containing 20% biomimetic enamel (hydroxyapatite/HAP) for daily oral care and healthy gums

Bioniq Repair toothpaste with gum protection, in blue and white packaging and a tube, both featuring a pink plus sign.
  • Improves gum health
  • Suitable for periodontitis
  • Smooth, strong, and healthy teeth

Knowledge : Other topics

  • A woman looks in the bathroom mirror and sees her bleeding gums as a sign of gum disease

    Bleeding gums – what causes it?

    Verified by Dr. Joachim Enax and Karoline Bauch

    Healthy gums do not bleed. Find out what causes bleeding gums, when you should see a dentist, and how you can prevent it with the right care.

  • Close-up of teeth and gums, showing an enlarged view of an inflamed, reddened area of gum tissue and a scale in micrometres, symbolising periodontitis, an inflammatory condition of the gum tissue

    Periodontitis – when bacteria attack the tooth socket

    Verified by Dr. Joachim Enax and Karoline Bauch

    What starts as gum inflammation can develop into serious gum disease. Find out how periodontitis develops, what treatment options are available, and how you can take specific steps to prevent the condition.

  • A person in a white T-shirt is holding their cheek with their hand – a typical gesture when one’s teeth are sensitive.

    Sensitive teeth – causes and what really helps

    Verified by Dr. Joachim Enax and Karoline Bauch

    Hot coffee, cold ice cream, sour apples – and suddenly that sharp pain. Find out why teeth are sensitive, what causes it, and what you can do to specifically reduce this sensitivity.

Dr. Joachim Enax

Senior Scientist Oral Care

Dr. Joachim Enax is an expert in biomimetic oral care and oral health. As a PhD chemist, he is an experienced scientist in the research and development of innovative active ingredients for oral care and in promoting dental health. He is the author of numerous scientific publications in the field of teeth and oral care.

Scientifically reviewed
Verified on 21/05/26

Karoline Bauch

Corporate Communications Officer

Karoline Bauch is an expert in science communication specialising in the Oral Care sector and acts as the editorial contact for all matters relating to dentistry, oral health and prevention.

Editorially reviewed
Verified on 22/04/26