Gingivitis Pictures: What It Really Looks Like!

Gingivitis, also known as periodontal disease, is a medical condition that affects the gums. Gingival hyperplasia, inflammation, and bleeding are common signs of gingivitis. It’s very common across different ages. It is possible that you can have gingivitis without even knowing that you have it. The early stage of gingivitis is painless, many patients suffering from gingivitis have it without knowing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis and lead to toothache.

These oral problem can lead to loss of teeth and permanent damages to your gums and the bones supporting your teeth. However, gingivitis is a non-destructive type of gum disease but it can advance quickly to periodontitis. Periodontitis being a severe gum disease can affect not only your gums but your overall health.

If your already experiencing gums bleeding, swelling and tenderness, then it might be gingivitis. I will show you some gingivitis pictures that can help you to identify gum disease. If you suspect that you have gingivitis, you should bring it to the attention of your dentist. Your dentist can help you to identify the underlying cause and the suitable course of action to take.

First of all, I will start by showing you how healthy gums in human teeth looks like. Anything different from this is a sign that your gums are not healthy. This could indicate periodontal disease or gingival hyperplasia, which can be prevented with regular dental cleanings.

Punk Healthy gum

There are so many characteristics of a healthy gum. A healthy gum is always firm and pink in color. Red coloration is not a sign of healthy gums, it might be as a result of one health problem or the other. I have written a post before revealing all > the signs of healthy gums. You can check it out later.

Note: Taking care of your gums is not only important to your oral health and the health of your teeth, but also for your overall body well-being. It has been shown by the American Dental Association that periodontitis, a disease that affects the gums and tooth-supporting structures, can result in serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and many others.

Having said this, I would like us to look at different causes of gum inflammation or gingivitis. I will try to explain more by showing real life pictures of unhealthy gums affected by gum disease or periodontitis. With this, you can know how gingivitis looks like.

Gingivitis

Red and swollen gums that bleed all the time when you brush or floss your teeth are all signs of gingivitis, a periodontal disease. You will also notice that the affected gums will appear to be pulling away from your teeth. They all show that your gums are not healthy and may be caused by plaque buildup.

There are numerous factors that can damage your healthy gums and also lead to gingivitis, a common gum disease. Hereditary, tobacco use, malnutrition, certain medications, poor oral hygiene, and poor immunity are possible factors that can cause gingivitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup on the teeth.

Hereditary

Gingivitis by hereditary

Do you know that gingivitis is contagious? O yes, It is! If both or any your parents had gingivitis before, there are high chances of you having gingivitis too. This is mostly due to the type of bacteria you were exposed to when you were younger. Apart from this, gingivitis can also be transferred from an infected person to a healthy individual. Kissing and sharing of the same utensils with an infected person can make you to contract gingivitis. I explain more on this before, check this out – Is gingivitis contagious? Proofs 

Poor oral hygiene

Plaque induced gingiviti

Here is one of the gingivitis pictures that shows plaque induced gingivitis, a disease that affects the gums and can lead to bone loss. If you are not taking your oral health seriously, then you should be prepared for the consequences. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildups and bacteria accumulation, which can worsen the disease. When you don’t clear off food particles from your mouth, they stick to your teeth attracting lots of harmful bacteria. Bacteria feeds on these food particles, producing chemicals that damages the teeth and gums, further exacerbating the condition in a person.

Malnutrition

Gingivitis caused by malnutrition

There are essential nutrients that is needed by your body for the maintenance of your teeth and gums. An example of such nutrients is Vitamin C. Those that suffer from vitamin C deficiency, usually have oral Inflammations such as mouth ulcers or gingivitis in a severe case. You should seek for help from a hygienist if you don’t know the right oral-healthy foods. He can make suggestions for you.

Medications

Certain medications gives off gum disease as side effects, some leads to dry mouth. Example of some of these drugs are antihistamines, decongestants, and painkillers.(1) If you started having gingivitis after you just started taking some medications. You can report to your doctor, he can evaluate the medications to find out if they are responsible.

Poor immunity

A weak immune system can make your teeth and gums more sensitive and prone to infections and disease. This is often observed in pregnant women and during puberty, when hormonal changes, like an increase in progesterone levels, can lead to gum disease and oral infections.

Tobacco use

Gingivitis caused by tobacco use

Smoking and constant use of tobacco products can result in different oral problems, including damage to the teeth. Tobacco use can cause mild gum disease, which can be reversed with proper oral hygiene. By avoiding tobacco and taking care of your teeth, you can have healthier gums.

Final Thoughts

Gingivitis, a common gum disease, can occur when oral care is neglected. To maintain healthy gums, it’s crucial to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Follow a routine of brushing and flossing at least twice daily for optimal oral hygiene.

If you still want to learn more on gingivitis, you can check this out – all about gingivitis.

Richard Smith

Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.

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