Gingivitis - What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis ("inflammation of the gum tissue") is a term used to describe non-destructive periodontal disease.

The most common form of gingivitis is in response to bacterial biofilms (also called plaque) adherent to tooth surfaces, termed ''plaque-induced gingivitis'', and is the most common form of periodontal disease.

In the absence of treatment, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, which is a destructive form of periodontal disease.

While in some sites or individuals, gingivitis never progresses to periodontitis, data indicates that periodontitis is always preceded by gingivitis.

Complications from gingivitis include;

• Tooth loss
• Recurrence of gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Infection or abscess of the gingiva or the jaw bones
• Trench mouth (bacterial infection and ulceration of the gums)

Further Reading

• Gingivitis Symptoms
• Gingivitis Cause
• Gingivitis Diagnosis
• Gingivitis Treatment

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