Gum health and preventive dental care

Gingivitis Treatment in Stockholm for Bleeding and Inflamed Gums

If your gums bleed when you brush, look red or swollen, feel tender or cause an unpleasant taste, gingivitis may be one possible explanation. At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Södermalm, we provide gingivitis treatment in Stockholm with professional gum assessment, plaque and tartar removal when indicated, and personalised guidance for healthier daily routines.

Gingivitis is inflammation limited to the gum tissue and is commonly associated with bacterial plaque around the gumline. When identified early and managed effectively, plaque-related gingivitis can often improve without permanent loss of the supporting tissues around the teeth.

Individual gum-health assessment

Professional cleaning when clinically indicated

Clear English guidance in Södermalm

Book an appointment Call 08-643 90 11

Clinically reviewed by: Alaleh Tarahomi, licensed dentist and clinical director at Gloss & Floss Dental Care®. Last reviewed: August 2026.

Quick answer: what should you do about bleeding gums?

Repeated gum bleeding should not simply be ignored. Plaque-related inflammation and tartar are common causes, but a clinical assessment may be needed to distinguish uncomplicated gingivitis from periodontitis or another local dental problem.

Early plaque-related gingivitis can often improve with effective daily cleaning and professional care when needed.
Hardened tartar cannot be removed with ordinary brushing or flossing.
Continue cleaning gently rather than avoiding the gumline solely because it bleeds.
Seek prompt care for rapidly increasing swelling, pus, fever, severe pain or unexpected tooth mobility.

Common warning signs

Do your symptoms match inflamed gums?

Gingivitis may cause little or no pain, which means the early signs are sometimes overlooked. Common symptoms include:

Bleeding gums

Bleeding during brushing or interdental cleaning commonly occurs when the gumline is inflamed.

Red or swollen gums

Inflamed gums may look redder, feel tender or appear puffy around one or several teeth.

Bad breath or taste

Plaque, tongue coating, tartar and gum inflammation may contribute to persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste.

Plaque or tartar

Deposits around the gumline can make effective home cleaning more difficult and allow inflammation to persist.

If bad breath is your principal concern, read more about our bad breath assessment and treatment.

Understanding the condition

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation affecting the gums around the teeth without clinical loss of the deeper tooth-supporting tissues. It most commonly develops when bacterial plaque remains along the gumline.

If plaque is not removed effectively, minerals in saliva can cause it to harden into calculus, commonly called tartar. Tartar creates a rough surface that retains further deposits and cannot be adequately removed with a toothbrush or dental floss.

Professional assessment is particularly important when bleeding or swelling persists, because similar symptoms can also occur with deeper periodontal disease or a local problem affecting a particular tooth.

An important distinction

Gingivitis or periodontitis: what is the difference?

Gingivitis

Inflammation is limited to the gum tissue.
Common signs include bleeding, redness and swelling.
No loss of the tooth-supporting structures is present.
Plaque control, professional cleaning where needed and improved home care are central to treatment.

Periodontitis

Deeper supporting tissues around the teeth are affected.
Periodontal pockets and supporting bone loss may be present.
Other signs may include gum recession, tooth mobility or recurrent inflammation.
Structured periodontal diagnosis, treatment and maintenance are required.

Gingivitis does not inevitably develop into periodontitis. However, persistent plaque-related inflammation together with individual risk factors may increase the likelihood of more advanced periodontal problems in susceptible patients.

If we identify deeper pockets, attachment loss, tooth mobility, bone loss or other signs of periodontitis, we will explain the findings and recommend an appropriate treatment pathway. Learn more about periodontal disease and loose teeth .

Causes and risk factors

What can cause bleeding and inflamed gums?

Plaque accumulation around the gumline is the most common cause of gingivitis. Several other factors can influence the gums or make plaque more difficult to remove.

Plaque and tartar

Bacterial deposits around and between the teeth can trigger inflammation and bleeding.

Interdental areas

Plaque can remain between the teeth even when the visible tooth surfaces appear clean.

Smoking and nicotine

Smoking adversely affects periodontal health and may make visible bleeding less noticeable.

Diabetes

Diabetes and periodontal health can influence each other, making appropriate prevention and monitoring particularly important.

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy and other hormonal changes can alter the way gum tissue responds to plaque.

Dry mouth

Reduced saliva may increase oral-health risks and make a tailored preventive routine more important.

Crowded teeth

Overlapping or difficult-to-reach surfaces can make daily plaque removal more challenging.

Restorations and appliances

Crowns, bridges, implants, retainers and orthodontic appliances may require adapted cleaning techniques.

Local dental problems

Swelling around one tooth may require assessment for another local cause rather than being assumed to be generalised gingivitis.

Related information: diabetes and oral health , dental care during pregnancy and dry mouth .

Your appointment

How we treat gingivitis at Gloss & Floss

Gingivitis treatment in Stockholm should be based on your clinical findings rather than a standard cleaning package. The purpose is to control the current inflammation, identify why deposits are accumulating and establish a realistic prevention plan.

Gum-health assessment

We assess the gum tissue, plaque, bleeding and visible deposits. Periodontal pocket measurements may be performed when indicated.

Professional cleaning

Plaque and hardened tartar are removed using appropriate professional instruments where clinically necessary.

Personalised guidance

We review brushing, interdental cleaning and access to areas that repeatedly retain plaque.

Follow-up planning

The recommended interval depends on your gum findings, previous disease, deposit accumulation and individual risk factors.

Depending on your needs, treatment may include professional tartar removal . AirFlow treatment may also be used for professional biofilm and external stain management when clinically suitable. AirFlow does not replace the instrumentation required to remove established hardened tartar.

What happens after professional cleaning?

When inflammation is primarily caused by plaque accumulation, the gums may begin to improve after effective professional and home plaque control. The time required varies according to the severity and extent of inflammation, the presence of tartar, the quality of daily cleaning and individual risk factors.

Persistent bleeding, swelling or tenderness should be reassessed, particularly when symptoms remain localised around one tooth or when deeper periodontal disease is suspected.

Daily prevention

What can you do at home for inflamed gums?

Consistent daily plaque control is essential for managing plaque-related gingivitis. Home care cannot, however, remove established hardened tartar.

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Use a suitable toothbrush with gentle, controlled pressure around the gumline.
Clean between the teeth every day using interdental brushes or floss where appropriate.
Do not avoid an area solely because it bleeds; clean gently and arrange an assessment if bleeding persists.
Follow the individual technique and product recommendations given by your dentist or dental hygienist.

Manual or electric toothbrush?

Both manual and powered toothbrushes can remove plaque effectively when they are used correctly. The most appropriate option depends on your dexterity, access, brushing technique, pressure and personal preferences.

Our dental hygienist team can provide individual electric-toothbrush and home oral-care guidance , including guidance on Philips Sonicare when it is appropriate for your routine.

For a wider risk-based prevention strategy, see our preventive dental care page.

When should gum symptoms be assessed promptly?

Uncomplicated gingivitis is not normally a dental emergency. Contact a dental clinic promptly if you develop:

Swelling that is rapidly increasing or spreading
Pus, discharge or a suspected dental abscess
Fever or feeling generally unwell with oral symptoms
Severe or rapidly increasing pain
A tooth that becomes loose or changes position unexpectedly
Persistent, heavy or unexplained bleeding
A lump, ulcer or red or white area that does not heal

For urgent problems, visit our emergency dental care in Stockholm page or call 08-643 90 11.

Professional gum care in Södermalm

Why choose Gloss & Floss for gingivitis treatment?

Cause-focused assessment

We assess likely contributing factors instead of treating bleeding as an isolated symptom.

Dental hygienist support

Professional cleaning can be combined with tailored brushing and interdental-care guidance.

Clear English communication

We welcome international residents, visitors and English-speaking patients in Stockholm.

Prevention-led pathway

Our goal is to help control current inflammation and reduce the risk of recurrent plaque-related problems.

Connected dental care

If deeper periodontal disease or another dental condition is found, we can explain the appropriate next step.

Södermalm location

Gloss & Floss Dental Care® is located on Ölandsgatan, close to Skanstull in Stockholm.

Connected treatment pathways

Frequently asked questions

FAQs about gingivitis and bleeding gums

Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?

Bleeding commonly occurs when the gumline is inflamed because plaque has accumulated around or between the teeth. Tartar, local irritation and other oral or general health factors may also contribute. Recurrent bleeding should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to brushing pressure.

Can gingivitis go away completely?

Plaque-related gingivitis can often be reversed when plaque is controlled effectively and tartar is professionally removed where necessary. A clinical assessment is required if symptoms persist or there are signs of deeper periodontal disease.

How long does gingivitis take to improve?

Improvement may begin after effective plaque control is established, but there is no single timeline suitable for every patient. The extent of inflammation, tartar deposits, daily cleaning and individual risk factors all influence healing. Persistent symptoms should be reassessed.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation limited to the gums without loss of the deeper supporting tissues. Periodontitis affects the structures supporting the teeth and may involve periodontal pockets, attachment loss, bone loss, gum recession or tooth mobility.

Can I treat gingivitis at home?

Effective brushing and interdental cleaning are essential for controlling plaque-related gingivitis. However, hardened tartar cannot be adequately removed at home, and professional assessment may be necessary to confirm that deeper periodontal disease is not present.

Why is the gum swollen around only one tooth?

Localised swelling may be related to plaque retention or trapped debris, but it can also have another dental cause affecting that specific tooth. Increasing swelling, pus, severe pain or fever requires prompt professional assessment.

Should I continue brushing if my gums bleed?

Do not stop cleaning the area solely because it bleeds. Continue gentle plaque removal with a suitable toothbrush and interdental cleaning technique. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and arrange an assessment if bleeding is persistent or worsening.

Can pregnancy or diabetes affect gum inflammation?

Yes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the gum tissue’s response to plaque. Diabetes and periodontal health can also influence each other. Consistent plaque control and individual professional monitoring may therefore be particularly important.

When are swollen or bleeding gums urgent?

Seek prompt dental care for rapidly increasing or spreading swelling, pus, severe pain, fever or general illness, unexpected tooth mobility, or persistent heavy or unexplained bleeding.

Further clinical information

For independent patient information, see 1177’s information about tartar and gingivitis and the European Federation of Periodontology’s patient information about gum treatment .

Book gingivitis treatment in Stockholm

If your gums repeatedly bleed, remain swollen or do not improve despite careful home cleaning, a professional assessment can help identify the cause and the appropriate treatment pathway.

Book a dental hygienist appointment for gum-health assessment, professional cleaning and personalised prevention guidance. If you have severe pain, rapidly increasing swelling, pus or fever, contact the clinic for urgent advice.

Book online Call 08-643 90 11

This page provides general information about gingivitis, bleeding gums and inflamed gums. It does not replace an individual examination, diagnosis or treatment recommendation from a dentist or dental hygienist.