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Dentistry vocabulary · Gums and Oral Hygiene

Gingivitis

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ˌdʒɪndʒɪˈvaɪtɪs/nounCore term

In dentistry, gingivitis means: Inflammation of the gums, usually caused by plaque. The gums look red and swollen and bleed easily, but good cleaning can reverse it.

In Turkish: diş eti iltihabı, gingivitis

How it is used

The early, reversible stage of gum disease that can come before periodontitis. Dentists diagnose it from redness, swelling and bleeding on probing. Patients usually describe 'bleeding gums when I brush'.

Example sentences

  1. You have mild gingivitis, mostly around the lower front teeth.

  2. Pregnancy gingivitis is common because of hormonal changes.

Common collocations

  • mild gingivitis
  • plaque-induced gingivitis
  • pregnancy gingivitis
  • reverse gingivitis
  • periodontitisA serious gum disease in which infection destroys the bone and tissues that hold the teeth. Pockets form, teeth may loosen, and lost bone does not grow back by itself.
  • plaqueA soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day. If brushing and cleaning between the teeth do not remove it, it leads to decay and gum disease.
  • gumThe firm pink tissue that covers the jawbone and fits tightly around the neck of each tooth. The technical word is gingiva.
  • scalingProfessional removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth, above and below the gum line, using ultrasonic and hand instruments.

More terms: Gums and Oral Hygiene

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.