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Gum Inflammation in Wuppertal
Bleeding, swollen or reddened gums are often an early warning sign. We check whether this is gum inflammation (Gingivitis) — and treat it in good time, before it can turn into periodontitis. Consultations are available in English.
Book an appointmentWhat is gingivitis?
Gum inflammation (Gingivitis) develops when bacteria from soft plaque build up along the gum margin. The gums respond with redness, swelling and bleeding. As long as only the gums are affected and the jawbone has not yet been attacked, the inflammation usually responds well to treatment and, once the plaque is removed, it is often fully reversible. Left untreated for longer, it can spread to the structures that hold the tooth in place — and that is what is called periodontitis. Which is exactly why it pays to act early.
Signs of gum inflammation
Gingivitis often does not hurt at first and is easily overlooked. These signs suggest that your gums are inflamed — and the earlier you have them checked, the simpler the treatment.
Bleeding gums when you brush
Bleeding when you brush or floss is the most common first sign. Healthy gums do not usually bleed.
Red, swollen gums
Instead of pale pink, the gum margin looks dark red, shiny and slightly swollen. It often feels tender to the touch as well.
Bad breath or a bad taste
Bacteria at the gum margin can cause persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste that brushing does not get rid of for long.
Sensitive gums
The gums react to cold, heat or touch. A feeling of tension or pressure in the gums can also be a sign.
Receding gums
If your teeth look longer or the necks of the teeth are exposed, the gums may already be receding. That should be examined promptly to rule out periodontitis.
Gum inflammation, or already periodontitis?
What is affected
With gingivitis, only the gums are inflamed. With periodontitis the inflammation reaches deeper and also affects the jawbone and the structures that hold the tooth in place.
How reversible it is
Gingivitis normally responds well to treatment and often resolves completely once the plaque is removed. With periodontitis, bone that has been lost usually cannot be regained — the aim is then to stabilise the situation.
Typical signs
Gingivitis shows itself mainly through bleeding and reddened gums. Signs of periodontitis can additionally include receding gums, exposed tooth necks or teeth becoming loose.
Why the distinction matters
Only an examination can establish which of the two you have. We measure the gum pockets: from a probing depth of about 4 mm upwards we are no longer talking about simple gum inflammation but about periodontitis, which follows a different treatment route. We then talk it through calmly with you — whether straightforward treatment is enough, or whether systematic periodontitis therapy makes sense.
How we treat inflamed gums
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No. 1 · H3: Examination and advice
First we take an unhurried look at your gums and measure how deep the gum pockets are. That tells us whether this is gingivitis or already periodontitis. The first consultation is free.
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No. 2 · H3: Professional cleaning
We thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, including where brushing at home cannot reach. That, as a rule, takes away the cause of the inflammation. Scaling (Zahnsteinentfernung) is covered by statutory health insurance once per calendar year — twice a year for people with a recognised care level (Pflegegrad). A professional cleaning (professionelle Zahnreinigung, PZR) is not a statutory benefit and is invoiced separately; you receive the figure in writing beforehand.
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No. 3 · H3: Cleaning at the gum margin
Where needed, we clean the area at and just below the gum margin. On request, gentle ozone treatment can help to reduce the number of bacteria as a supporting measure — whether that makes sense in your case is something we discuss individually.
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No. 4 · H3: What to do at home
We show you — without wagging a finger — how to clean between your teeth and along the gum margin at home. The right technique is often what decides whether the gums settle down.
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No. 5 · H3: Check-ups and prevention
After a short interval we check how the gums have responded. Regular check-ups and professional cleaning help to keep the inflammation from coming back.
Meet our specialists
Friendly, transparent and approachable — we are here for you before, during and after treatment.
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Frequently asked questions about gum inflammation
Short, straight answers to the questions many patients have about inflamed and bleeding gums.
Why are my gums inflamed?
Inflamed gums are usually caused by bacterial plaque at the gum margin, but sometimes also by irritation, medication or hormonal changes. `[LINK: EN pendant of /zahnwissen/zahnerhalt/warum-zahnfleisch-entzuendet/]` Why are my gums inflamed?
How long does gum inflammation last?
Mild gum inflammation can settle within a few days once the plaque is removed and cleaning improves; if it persists, it should be checked by a dentist. `[LINK: EN pendant of /zahnwissen/zahnerhalt/wie-lange-dauert-zahnfleischentzuendung/]`: How long does gum inflammation last?
Is it gum inflammation or already periodontitis?
Gum inflammation affects the gums only; periodontitis goes deeper and can damage the structures holding the tooth. The measurement decides: from a probing depth of about 4 mm upwards it is periodontitis, and the route changes. Statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) then covers systematic periodontitis treatment on the basis of a plan that has to be approved before treatment starts, followed by a supportive phase over two years — with two, four or six appointments depending on whether your case is graded A, B or C. `[LINK: EN pendant of /zahnwissen/zahnerhalt/zahnfleischentzuendung-oder-parodontitis/]`: Zahnfleischentzündung oder Parodontitis?
Are bleeding gums dangerous?
A single episode of bleeding can come from a small irritation, but bleeding that happens regularly should be taken seriously. `[LINK: EN pendant of /zahnwissen/zahnerhalt/blutendes-zahnfleisch-gefaehrlich/]` im Artikel Blutendes Zahnfleisch – gefährlich?
Do home remedies help against gum inflammation?
Hausmittel können Beschwerden manchmal kurzfristig lindern, ersetzen aber keine Kontrolle, wenn die Entzündung bleibt oder stärker wird. Lesen Sie dazu: Hausmittel gegen Zahnfleischentzündung
Can gum inflammation go away on its own?
Sometimes the gums settle once oral hygiene improves, because the inflammation is reversible while the plaque is the only cause. Recurring or persistent inflammation should be examined. `[LINK: EN pendant of /zahnwissen/zahnerhalt/zahnfleischentzuendung-von-selbst-weg/]`: Can gum inflammation go away on its own?
What does gum inflammation mean in pregnancy?
In der Schwangerschaft reagiert das Zahnfleisch oft empfindlicher und blutet schneller, deshalb ist eine sanfte Kontrolle besonders sinnvoll. Mehr Informationen: Zahnfleischentzündung in der Schwangerschaft.
Can stress trigger gum inflammation?
Stress can weaken your defences, change your cleaning habits and encourage inflammation, but it is rarely the only cause. `[LINK: EN pendant of /zahnwissen/zahnerhalt/zahnfleischentzuendung-durch-stress/]`: Zahnfleischentzündung durch Stress
Can bad breath come from inflamed gums?
Yes — inflamed gums, plaque and gum pockets can all contribute to bad breath. `[LINK: EN pendant of /zahnwissen/zahnerhalt/mundgeruch-durch-zahnfleischentzuendung/]` im Ratgeber Mundgeruch durch Zahnfleischentzündung
When should I see a dentist about gum inflammation?
If the gums bleed for longer than a few days, stay swollen, hurt, or bad breath is added to the picture, an examination is sensible. `[LINK: EN pendant of /zahnwissen/zahnerhalt/zahnfleischentzuendung-wann-zum-zahnarzt/]`: Wann sollte man zum Zahnarzt?
A second opinion on your treatment plan
If you already have a plan or a 3D scan (DVT/CBCT), we review the proposed treatment, explain the alternatives and go through cost, choice of material and technique in plain language.
Request a second opinion
