Gingivitis

Gingivitis
A severe case of gingivitis
SpecialtyDentistry
ComplicationsPeriodontal disease

Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gums;[1] ulitis is an alternative term.[2] The most common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is in response to bacterial biofilms (also called plaque) that are attached to tooth surfaces, termed plaque-induced gingivitis. Most forms of gingivitis are plaque-induced.[3]

While some cases of gingivitis never progress to periodontitis,[4] periodontitis is always preceded by gingivitis.[5]

Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene; however, without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, in which the inflammation of the gums results in tissue destruction and bone resorption around the teeth. Periodontitis can ultimately lead to tooth loss.[6]

  1. ^ The American Academy of Periodontology. Proceedings of the World Workshop in Clinical Periodontics. Chicago:The American Academy of Periodontology; 1989:I/23-I/24.
  2. ^ Ireland R (2010). "Ulitis". A Dictionary of Dentistry. Oxford / New York: Oxford University Press. p. 357. ISBN 978-0-19-953301-5.
  3. ^ Darby ML, Walsh M. Dental Hygiene - E-Book: Theory and Practice. p. 318.
  4. ^ Ammons WF, Schectman LR, Page RC (1972). "Host tissue response in chronic periodontal disease. 1. The normal periodontium and clinical manifestations of dental and periodontal disease in the marmoset". Journal of Periodontal Research. 7 (2): 131–143. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0765.1972.tb00638.x. PMID 4272039.
  5. ^ Page RC, Schroeder HE (March 1976). "Pathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal disease. A summary of current work". Laboratory Investigation; A Journal of Technical Methods and Pathology. 34 (3): 235–249. PMID 765622.
  6. ^ "Parameter on plaque-induced gingivitis. American Academy of Periodontology". Journal of Periodontology. 71 (5 Suppl): 851–852. May 2000. doi:10.1902/jop.2000.71.5-S.851. PMID 10875689.