Gingivitis

Superficial inflammation of the gums.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Published: February 1, 2026

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the most common and mildest form of gum inflammation. Bacterial plaque at the tooth–gum junction triggers an immune response that becomes apparent through gingival bleeding.

Gingivitis can be plaque-induced (with hormonal, nutritional or drug-related modifiers) or non-plaque-induced (viral, fungal or genetic). Pregnancy, puberty and diabetes can exacerbate hormone-influenced gingivitis.

Untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, but at the gingivitis stage there is not yet any bone damage.

Symptoms

Bleeding when brushing or flossing

Redness and swelling of the gums

An unusually shiny appearance of the gums

Mild bad breath

A change in the taste in the mouth

Tenderness of the gums

Risk Factors

Inadequate brushing and lack of flossing

Smoking

Pregnancy (hormonal gingivitis)

Diabetes

Phenytoin, ciclosporin, calcium-channel blockers (drug-related)

Dry mouth (reduced saliva)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

If gum bleeding lasts longer than a week
If there is significant gum swelling
If gum problems start during pregnancy
Six-monthly dental check-ups for people with diabetes
Annual routine cleaning and examination

Treatment Methods

Professional dental scaling

Instruction in correct brushing technique

Daily flossing

Topical chlorhexidine mouth rinse (short course)

Treatment directed at the underlying cause if hormonal or drug-related

Six-monthly hygienist visits

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Diş Çürüğü

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Diş çürüğü, ağız bakterilerinin şekeri fermente ederek ürettiği asitlerin diş minesi, dentin ve pulpayı tahrip etmesiyle oluşan kronik bir hastalıktır.

Diş Eti Hastalıkları (Periodontal Hastalıklar)

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Periodontal hastalıklar, diş eti (gingivit) ve diş çevresindeki kemik ile bağ dokusunun (periodontit) bakteri kaynaklı iltihabıdır; tedavi edilmezse diş kaybına neden olur.

Impacted Tooth

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An impacted tooth — most often a wisdom tooth — has not erupted fully and remains in the jaw bone or gum. It can lead to pericoronitis, caries and cysts.

Dental Implants

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A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone that supports a crown, bridge or denture, providing the closest possible function and aesthetics to a natural tooth.

Teeth Whitening

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Teeth whitening lightens tooth color using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. In-office (professional) bleaching uses higher concentrations with light activation for faster results; home bleaching uses custom trays with lower concentrations over 1–4 weeks. Safety depends on healthy teeth, correct concentration, isolation of gums and transient sensitivity management.

Orthodontics

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Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the alignment of the teeth and jaws, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits at any age, from childhood through adulthood.

Gingival Recession (Gum Recession)

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Gingival recession is the apical displacement of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface. It may be localized or generalized and results from mechanical trauma, periodontal disease, thin biotype or anatomic factors. Recession can cause root sensitivity, caries and aesthetic concerns; management includes cause elimination and surgical root coverage when indicated.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

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Halitosis is a chronic problem that affects a substantial part of the population. It is most often of oral origin and can interfere with social interactions.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.