If it is not removed properly once every 24 hours it begins to become more pathologic, setting up the infection of the gums. This can happen in the whole mouth but more often than not it occurs locally around certain teeth where adequate hygiene may be more difficult. Tartar buildup can irritate the gums and harbor bacteria as well. Certain medical conditions can aggravate gingivitis. Reduced immunity due to chemotherapy, AIDS, diabetes, and the like will worsen gingivitis.
Many medications cause problems for the gums.
For example, calcium channel blockers and seizure medications cause the gums to grow excess tissue. Any medication causing dry mouth will effect the gums too. An important aspect of gingivitis to remember is that it is reversible . This reversibility is in contrast to periodontitis , a more severe gum disease which affects the bone that support the teeth. The damage to the bone in periodontitis is irreversible and can only be arrested in an attempt to control further damage to the support of the teeth.