Gingivitis

Summary

  • Gingival inflammation is caused by bacterial plaque (dental biofilm) that accumulates daily on the teeth.
  • Results in redness, slight swelling, or "puffiness" of the gums and bleeding on tooth brushing.
  • Treatment involves thorough professional tooth cleaning and effective daily removal of dental plaque by tooth brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
  • Necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) is a more serious condition that is mainly found in developing countries associated with people with severe malnutrition or HIV/AIDS with low CD4 T-cell counts.
Last updated: Sep 27, 2012
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