It is a very common event in everyone’s life to see swollen or bleeding gums when you get up to brush your teeth. This problem with your gums, due to inflammation is called Gingivitis. At least one member in every household would be suffering from this problem. If is not treated at the nick of time it can aggravate to become a serious gum disease like peiodontitis. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease wherein you suffer inflammation as well as infection of gums. Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria. It is found on your teeth when sugar and starch in your food comes in contact with the bacteria primarily found in your mouth. Plaque once removed can be easily formed within 24 hrs. When these sticky films of plaque are not removed on time they harden under your gum line to form tartar. Not maintaining simple oral hygiene is one of the main causes of gingivitis. If proper care is taken you can avoid the plaque deposits, which are long term effects of gingivitis. Gingivitis is one of the major causes of tooth decay. The combination of plaque and tartar can irritate your gums causing gingiva. Gums get terribly damaged due to bacteria and toxin bacteria making it swollen and tender (a reason for bleeding gums). There are different levels of gingivitis varying from mild, moderate and severe. Anybody to everybody is affected by this problem. It is said to develop during the time of puberty or when there is an increase in hormones i.e. during early period of adulthood. This mainly depends how sound your teeth and gums are. Diabetes increases your chances of having gingivitis. Having dry mouth increases the risk of gum disease. Having a weak immunity can also cause this problem to arise. To avoid such a face off with death, proper oral hygiene would help you in the long run. Common Signs and Symptoms -Suffering with mouth sores -Swollen gums -Bleeding gums while brushing -Tender/soft gums -Change in color of the gums Basic Preventive Measures -Maintaining good oral hygiene -Brush your teeth twice a day -Floss your teeth -Avoid too much sweet and starchy food -Eat more fruits and vegetables -Get dental check-up twice in a year Home Remedies you can try A mixture of baking soda with little water should be applied on your gums with your finger. Once this is done, brush your teeth to remove the bacterial waste for sparkling effect. Mix 3% solution of Hydrogen peroxide with equal amounts of water. Swish, not swallow, this solution in your mouth for 30 seconds. This helps to kill the bacteria. You can brush your gums and teeth with Aloe Vera gel for better effects. It helps in reduction of plaque formation as well as works as a healing agent. Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using if you are allergic to something. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.