For most of us, it is of course because of the lack of good oral hygiene which starts up bleeding and swollen gums. And it is also good oral hygiene which is the major part of the solution. The clinical definition of gingivitis is that it involves only the gums and so it is entirely reversible. If you can get things cleaned up, the damage can be well taken cared of. It is never toot late to start learning the proper techniques of brushing and flossing. If you suspect that you have gingivitis, you need to see a dentist because only a dentist can diagnose gum disease.