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Gingivitis

Karlynn Sievers, MD and Stephanie Vaux Voyles, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Gingivitis is a reversible form of inflammation of the gingiva. It is a mild form of periodontal disease. Classification includes the following: 
  • Plaque induced

  • Not plaque induced (bac...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Gingival erythema, edema, and bleeding

  • Gingiva is tender to touch but otherwise painless.

  • Bleeding of gingiva when brushing, flossing, or eating

  • Inquire about HIV risk, pregnancy, nutrit...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Stop any contributing medications.

  • Remove irritating factors (plaque, calculus, faulty dental restorations, or partial dentures).

  • Good oral hygiene (see “General Prevention”)

  • Re...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Until clear; dental follow-up for continued cleanings and secondary prevention 

DIET

  • Well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, vitamin ...

REFERENCES

1
Kumar S. Evidence-Based Update on Diagnosis and Management of Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Dent Clin N Am. 2019;63:69-81.
2
Karamani I, Kalimeri E, Seremidi K, et al. Chlorhexidine Mouthwas...

SEE ALSO

  • Dental Infection; Glossitis

  • Algorithm: Bleeding Gums

CODES

ICD10

  • K05.10 Chronic gingivitis, plaque induced

  • K05.11 Chronic gingivitis, non-plaque induced

  • K05.00 Acute gingivitis, plaque induced

  • K05.01 Acute gingivitis, non-plaque induced

  • A69.1 Other Vincent’s...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Gingivitis may be prevented and treated with regular dental cleanings, good oral hygiene, and use of certain mouth rinses including chlorhexidine.

  • Untreated, gingivitis may progress to ...

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