Gingivitis
Pronunciation: jin-jih-VY-tis
Inflammation of the gingiva caused primarily by dental plaque biofilm, characterised by redness, swelling, and bleeding on probing without attachment loss.
Full Definition
Gingivitis is the reversible, plaque-induced inflammatory condition affecting only the gingival tissues, without extension to the deeper periodontal structures. It is differentiated from periodontitis by the absence of clinical attachment loss or radiographic bone loss. Editors should note that 'gingival inflammation' is a broader descriptive phrase, while 'gingivitis' carries a specific diagnostic connotation. The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases formally redefined gingivitis as occurring on either a reduced or intact periodontium.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'periodontitis'; gingivitis is reversible and limited to soft tissue, while periodontitis involves bone loss.
In Context
- "The patient presented with localised gingivitis confined to the anterior mandibular sextant, with no radiographic bone loss detected." — New patient examination report
- "Pregnancy-associated gingivitis should be documented separately from plaque-induced gingivitis in the medical history." — Clinical guideline document