Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is the most common form of periodontal disease. This lesson explains how it develops, how to recognize it, and why early attention matters.
Gingivitis, also known as ulitis, is inflammation of the gingiva, or gums. It is considered a non-destructive disease because gingivitis itself does not involve loss of the bone supporting the teeth. The most common form is plaque-induced gingivitis, caused by bacterial biofilm—commonly called plaque—attached to tooth surfaces.
All flashcards
What is gingivitis?
Inflammation of the gums that does not itself involve loss of supporting bone; it is often reversible with plaque control.
What is plaque-induced gingivitis?
Gum inflammation triggered by bacterial biofilm attached to tooth surfaces; it is the most common form of gingivitis.
What is stippling, and what may happen to it in gingivitis?
Stippling is the textured appearance of some healthy gum tissue; it may disappear when gums are inflamed.
What is a plaque trap?
A location that retains plaque, such as an overhanging restoration, a denture clasp, or calculus.
How are gingivitis and periodontitis related?
Gingivitis does not always progress to periodontitis, but periodontitis is preceded by gingivitis and damages supporting tissues.
Quiz questions
Which approach best reflects a clinical assessment used to diagnose gingivitis?Answer: A visual examination, periodontal probing, and review of relevant histories; radiographs when appropriate.
In the described gingival index method, how is a tooth's score calculated?Answer: Score four gingival units from 0 to 3, then average those scores.
What is the role of saliva enzyme activity in periodontal assessment?Answer: It may support diagnosis and treatment decisions but does not replace clinical examination.
When may referral to a periodontist be appropriate for a patient with gingivitis?Answer: When the gingivitis does not respond to treatment.
What has been reported about powered toothbrushes and gingivitis?Answer: Some comparisons show they reduce gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes.
Based on the Wikipedia article Gingivitis, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.