Plaque-Induced Gingivitis
Gingival inflammation caused directly by the accumulation of dental plaque biofilm at and below the gingival margin, reversible upon effective plaque removal.
Full Definition
Plaque-induced gingivitis is the most common form of gingival disease and is classified separately from non-plaque-induced gingival conditions in the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. It is characterised by redness, oedema, and bleeding on probing in the absence of clinical attachment loss. Editors should apply the hyphen consistently in 'plaque-induced gingivitis' when it is used as a compound modifier. The condition is reversible, which distinguishes it from periodontitis, and this distinction is editorially critical in clinical reporting. Some older texts use 'simple gingivitis' or 'marginal gingivitis' as synonyms, but these are now considered non-preferred terms.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'plaque-induced' as a compound modifier. Prefer over 'marginal gingivitis' or 'simple gingivitis' in contemporary documents.
In Context
- "The diagnosis of plaque-induced gingivitis was confirmed by the absence of radiographic bone loss and full resolution following professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene." — Periodontal diagnosis report
- "The 2017 Classification distinguishes plaque-induced gingivitis from non-plaque-induced conditions; editors must reflect this distinction accurately." — Textbook chapter editing note