Gingivitis is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, which creates an environment for bacteria that inflame and bleed the gums, often noticed when brushing or eating. Early-stage gingivitis is easily treated with scaling, where tartar is removed from the tooth surface. If untreated, it may progress to a more severe stage requiring root planing, which smoothens the tooth roots and removes infected tissue. Both procedures are non-surgical and performed without anesthesia, though more advanced cases may require numbing for comfort. Treatment is usually done in sections of the mouth to allow healin