Most people get gingivitis when plaque accumulates on their gum lines for an extended period of time. Plaque is the debris and bacteria that adhere to your teeth.

Brushing your teeth removes plaque and can help you avoid cavities (dental caries). However, if you do not brush and floss properly, plaque may remain on your gum line.

If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar (calculus), increasing bleeding. Plaque buildup near your gums can also cause gingivitis.

Symptoms of gingivitis include:

• puffy gums

• soreness in the mouth and around the gums

• bleeding gums

When gingivitis progresses, periodontal disease (periodontitis) can develop. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, jawbone, and supporting tissues that hold your teeth and gums together. Periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose or fall out.

Deficits in vitamins C and K can also cause the gums to bleed easily.

If you have bleeding gums that aren’t caused by poor dental care, have your doctor check your vitamin C and K levels. Also, eat a diet rich in both nutrients to ensure you get the vitamins you need to stay healthy.

Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be an indication of gum (periodontal) disease. Plaque accumulation on teeth causes gum disease. Bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gums. If gum disease is not treated, it can cause gum and jawbone damage.

Poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and cavities are other dental causes of bad breath.

Bad breath can also be caused by the medical condition dry mouth (also known as xerostomia). Saliva is required to moisten the mouth, neutralise plaque acids, and wash away dead cells on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If these cells are not removed, they decompose and can cause bad breath.

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of medications, salivary gland issues, or continuous breathing through the mouth. Morning breath is actually worse for people who sleep with their mouths open.

Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after eating (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Remember to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper. Bad breath can be caused by bacteria on your tongue.

If you can’t brush after a meal, at the very least, give your mouth a good rinse with water to loosen up and free those trapped bits. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after getting sick. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. Twice a day, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque that can lead to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that begins in the early stages. Including a fluoride rinse in your daily routine can aid in the prevention of tooth decay.

Dentures should be removed at night and thoroughly cleaned before being reinserted the next morning. Clean your braces and retainers according to your dentist’s instructions.

Consult your dentist at least twice a year. They will perform an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, and other issues that may be causing bad breath.