Inflamed gums, or gingivitis, appear as swelling, redness, and irritation along the gumline. This inflammation is caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque, a sticky film that forms on the teeth. The duration is highly variable, depending on the severity of the cause and the speed of the response. Outcomes range from rapid reversal with simple home care to a persistent chronic condition if the cause is not addressed.
The Timeline for Mild Inflammation
The shortest duration occurs with acute gingivitis where the bacterial plaque has not yet hardened. If meticulous oral hygiene begins immediately, the inflammation is completely reversible within a short timeframe. Visible signs of irritation and bleeding can start to subside within the first three to seven days of consistent brushing and flossing.
This rapid improvement happens because the immune system quickly resolves the inflammatory response once the bacterial irritant is physically removed. Complete resolution, where the gums return to a healthy, firm, pink state, typically takes up to two weeks. This short timeline is only achievable when the cause is solely soft plaque and treatment is prompt and thorough.
Factors That Extend the Duration
Inflammation persists when the irritant cannot be removed by simple at-home cleaning. Plaque that remains too long hardens into calculus, also known as tartar, a rough, porous, calcified deposit. This hardened calculus cannot be brushed or flossed away and requires professional removal with dental instruments, prolonging the condition until a dentist intervenes.
Certain systemic factors make gum tissue more susceptible to inflammation, extending the duration even with good hygiene practices. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can increase sensitivity to plaque bacteria. Conditions affecting the immune system, like uncontrolled diabetes, impair the body’s ability to resolve inflammation effectively. Smoking hinders circulation and healing processes in the gum tissue, making the inflammation chronic and resistant to treatment. Medications can also cause dry mouth or gum tissue overgrowth, complicating cleaning and allowing inflammation to linger.
The Recovery Process and Expected Milestones
When inflammation is prolonged by calculus, recovery involves professional treatment, such as scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to discourage future buildup. Following this intervention, patients can expect a specific timeline of healing milestones.
Initial discomfort and sensitivity typically subside within the first few days to a week after the procedure. A noticeable reduction in bleeding and swelling usually occurs within one to three weeks. The longer-term milestone involves the gum tissue stabilizing and potentially reattaching to the tooth surface, which may take several weeks to a month. Sustained resolution requires meticulous at-home care following the professional cleaning.
Progression to Chronic Disease
Inflamed gums that last too long (weeks or months without effective intervention) risk progressing beyond reversible gingivitis. The persistent presence of bacterial toxins causes inflammation to spread deeper into the underlying tissues supporting the teeth. This marks the transition to periodontitis, an irreversible chronic disease.
Periodontitis involves the destruction of the ligaments and alveolar bone that anchor the teeth. As bone is lost, the gums pull away, creating deep periodontal pockets where more bacteria accumulate. This bone loss is the defining characteristic that separates irreversible periodontitis from reversible gingivitis. Unresolved chronic inflammation and tissue destruction lead to tooth mobility and, eventually, tooth loss.