Gingivitis Trench mouth or periodontitis Gingivitis is an infection of the gums (gingival). Painful gums Bleeding gums Gums may appear dark Bad Breath Fever Enlarged lymph glands of the neck Uncertain causes Poor oral hygiene appears to play a role Smoking possibly Those with underlying medical disorders, such as diabetes Not contagious Poor oral hygiene Young adults under stress Poor fitting dentures Malocclusion Pregnancy Mouth breathing Treat underlying medical disease Penicillin by mouth Saline rinses Stop smoking Get frequent dental checkups Surgical treatment by dentist or oral surgeon (e.g., gingivectomy, in which infected gum tissue is peeled back from the tooth and excised)