Why do most people have gingivitis?

[teethexpert]

To elaborate on the question, why do most people have gingivitis when the initial lesion / stage of gingivitis develops within 2 - 4 days of the accumulation of plaque.

So this means that you need to allow the plaque to remain undisturbed by not brushing for 2 - 4 days for the first stage of gingivitis to occur right?

But I am curious as to why most people have gingivitis when the vast majority of the population brush at least once a day and have not allowed the plaque to accumulate for the 2 - 4 days required for the initial stage of gingivitis.

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[FutureDent020]

Don’t brush properly, long enough, or floss. Therefore plaque accumulates.

 

[dammahom]

Because no one is perfect. No one brushes perfectly, every tooth surface, twice a day, every day. Some surfaces get missed, some days/brushes are lazier. Thus, 0-15 % gingivitis or BOP is classified as 'normal' or physiologic, i.e. does not cause pathology. Aiming for 100 % in life is the correct goal, but expecting it in an imperfect world is what causes problems. The enemy of good is perfect.

 

[yappy]

I'm not an expert on this subject but I suspect that it may have something to do with our modern diet and the bacteria that colonize our mouths via vertical and horizontal transmission.

 

[schmoob]

the vast majority of the population brush at least once a day

There’s your answer. They don’t.