Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, usually caused by bacterial plaque. It commonly causes redness, swelling, and bleeding, and can progress to periodontitis if untreated.

Dental plaque: A structured microbial biofilm that forms on tooth surfaces and contains bacteria embedded in a matrix. Bacteria in plaque provoke the inflammatory response that defines most gingivitis.
Bleeding on probing: Bleeding produced when a dental probe gently examines the gum pocket around a tooth. Clinicians use it as a common sign of gingival inflammation.
Gingiva: The gum tissue that surrounds the teeth and covers parts of the jawbone. Gingivitis is inflammation of this specific tissue.
Necrotizing periodontal disease: A rapidly destructive periodontal condition marked by tissue necrosis, pain, and bleeding. Its severe pain and tissue death distinguish it from common plaque-induced gingivitis.
Gingival sulcus: The narrow space between a tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Plaque accumulation here brings bacteria close to the gingival margin.
Periodontal probing: Measurement of the depth of the space between a tooth and its surrounding gum. It helps distinguish superficial gingivitis from attachment loss associated with periodontitis.
Periodontal disease: A group of inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and tooth-supporting tissues. Gingivitis is its reversible, gum-limited form.
Desquamative gingivitis: A clinical appearance of peeling, fragile gums often associated with mucosal disorders. It can resemble inflamed gums but often reflects an underlying immune-mediated disease.
Gingival crevicular fluid: Fluid that passes from gingival tissue into the space between gums and teeth. Inflammation increases its flow, making it a measurable sign of gingival response.
Dental scaling: Professional removal of plaque and hardened deposits from tooth surfaces. Removing plaque and calculus reduces the local irritants driving gingivitis.

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