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What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It literally means an inflammation of the gingivae or gum tissue.

Types of gingivitis:

	Localized gingivitis. Almost everyone has some irritation of their gum tissue someplace in their mouth, and if there is some inflammation in the gums in a couple of spots, it isn't any great concern. Of course we don't want it to progress. If we can be just a little more diligent in oral hygiene, this type of gingivitis will just go away.
	Generalized gingivitis. When the gingival irritation is present throughout the mouth, it is of greater concern. We worry that this may progress to periodontitis, where the bone support of the teeth is affected.
	Severe generalized gingivitis. There are several forms of this. Some of them can even be painful. Remember that gingivitis means that the inflammation is occurring only in the gum tissue and hasn't yet affected the bone, so even severe gingivitis is completely reversible. If neglect of oral hygiene is combined with serious stress and possibly with nutritional deficiency, a patient can develop Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis. Parts of the gum tissue become so inflamed that they die and can develop a grayish color and a foul smell.

 

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