---
title: "What Is Gum inflammation? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Gum inflammation is redness, swelling, and tenderness of the gums, most often caused by plaque left along the gum line."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gum-inflammation
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Gum Care

# Gum inflammation

Gum inflammation is redness, swelling, and tenderness of the gums, most often caused by plaque left along the gum line.

Inflamed gums look red or puffy and may bleed when you brush or floss. The usual cause is plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. The ADA says gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. When plaque is removed each day, the inflammation often settles. A professional cleaning removes hardened plaque, called [tartar](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tartar-calculus), which you cannot remove at home. Smoking, some medicines, and hormone changes can also affect the gums. If inflammation lasts, it can move deeper and become [periodontitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontitis). Tell your dentist if your gums bleed often. See [gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis) and flossing, or our [teeth cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning) page.

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning)

## Related terms

-   [Gingivitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gingivitis)
-   [Periodontitis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periodontitis)
-   [Dental plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque)
-   [Tartar (calculus)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tartar-calculus)
-   [Flossing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/flossing)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Gingivitis](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/gingivitis)

## Ready when you are

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