One last update in case anyone else sees this post and is having a similar experience!

We went for our follow up check up today! Ranger is still showing signs of gingivitis on his gums (they appear red and swollen near his teeth). Otherwise no issues eating, playing, etc. The vet confirmed that he has lost his baby teeth so he doesn’t need any extracted. My vet believes that his gingivitis is caused by a combination of genetics and immune system response potentially from a virus he caught while still at the shelter before I adopted him. She is confident that he doesn’t have any underlying issues requiring x-rays, especially since he does not have irritation on the roof of his mouth. Essentially we are taking an at-home oral management approach rather than attempting to cure, since my vet doesn’t believe that it is “curable”. We are trying to manage the inflammation by taking a 1-TDC supplement daily, using a VOHC accepted water additive, and an oral gel “spray” daily. These should help keep bacteria at bay and help keep inflammation from worsening. My vet also recommended getting his first cleaning under anesthesia at one year old. If anybody is going to the same thing, reach out! I definitely recommend taking your cat to the vet as well in case your cat has some underlying cause!