Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Catching it early is important to prevent irreversible damage to your gum tissue, teeth roots, and even bone structures.
But what does early gingivitis look like, and how can you spot the warning signs before it escalates?
In this blog, we will explain the symptoms, stages of gum disease and solutions to keep your gums healthy.
Table of Contents
- What Does Gingivitis Look Like?
- Stages of Gum Disease: From Gingivitis to Advanced Periodontitis
- How to Reverse Early Gingivitis
- How Quickly Does Gingivitis Escalate?
- When to See a Dentist
- Visit Our Dental Office In Greeley To Protect Your Oral Health
Key Takeaway
Early gingivitis shows subtle signs like red, swollen, or bleeding gums. It is fully reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional dental care. Ignoring these symptoms, however, can lead to irreversible damage like tooth loss or advanced gum disease within weeks—so act fast to protect your smile.
What Does Gingivitis Look Like?
Early gingivitis, or stage 1 gingivitis, is marked by subtle changes in your gums. Here’s what to look for:
- Redness or purple hues: Healthy gums are pale pink and firm. Inflamed gums may appear darker red or even purple.
- Swelling: Mild puffiness along the gumline.
- Bleeding: Gums that bleed during daily brushing or flossing.
- Bad breath: Persistent bad breath caused by plaque bacteria buildup.
- Tenderness: Discomfort when touching the gums.
Unlike advanced gum disease, early gingivitis doesn’t cause gum recession, loose teeth, or bone loss.
However, ignoring these signs of gingivitis allows harmful bacteria to thrive, leading to periodontal disease.
Read this blog to see if your gums are healthy: What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
Stages of Gum Disease: From Gingivitis to Advanced Periodontitis
Stage 1: Early gingivitis
- Pocket depth: 1–3 mm (healthy gums have pockets <3 mm).
- Reversible? Yes—with improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
Stage 2: Mild periodontitis
- Pocket depth: 4–5 mm.
- Symptoms: Increased inflammation, early bone damage, and gum recession.
Learn more about How To Stop Receding Gums: Tips From a Dentist
Stage 3: Moderate periodontitis
- Pocket depth: 6–7 mm.
- Symptoms: Noticeable tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, and bone loss.
Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis
- Pocket depth: ≥7 mm.
- Symptoms: Severe bone damage, tooth loss, and risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease.
Read on to learn if bone loss can be restored: Can You Restore Bone Loss in Your Teeth?
How to Reverse Early Gingivitis
If you notice signs of gingivitis, you can reduce the risk of it progressing by making a few simple changes to your oral hygiene routine.
Do this:
- Improve your oral hygiene: Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and floss to remove plaque buildup. Learn How To Floss Properly: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Use antibacterial products: An anti-gingivitis mouthwash or antiseptic mouthwash reduces bacteria.
- Visit a dental professional: Dental cleanings remove tartar (hardened plaque) that brushing alone can’t tackle.
- Stay consistent: A daily oral hygiene routine prevents the buildup of plaque.
Don’t do this:
- Smoke: It worsens inflammation and slows healing.
- Ignore symptoms: Bleeding gums aren’t normal—seek care.
- Use hard-bristled brushes: They irritate gum tissue causing gum recession.
How Quickly Does Gingivitis Escalate?
Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis in as little as 2–3 weeks, especially with risk factors like dry mouth, crooked teeth, or health conditions like diabetes.
Severe gum disease may lead to tooth loss within a year.
When to See a Dentist
Don’t wait for severe symptoms.
If you notice signs of gingivitis such as bleeding, redness, or bad breath, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we offer exams and cleanings and scaling and root planing to restore your oral health.
Visit Our Dental Office In Greeley To Protect Your Oral Health
Early gingivitis is a preventable and reversible with prompt action. If it’s been awhile since your last exam and cleaning, set aside some time to look after your oral health. Check with your benefits provider to see what is covered under your dental benefits. No insurance? No problem! We offer financing through Sunbit and Care Credit.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
