gingivitis
(jin-jĭ-vīt'ĭs 
)
[gingiva + -itis]
Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and tendency to bleed. SYN: ulitis.
Etiology: Gingivitis may be local due to improper dental hygiene, poorly fitting dentures or appliances, or poor occlusion. It may accompany generalized stomatitis associated with mouth and upper respiratory infections. It may also occur in deficiency diseases such as scurvy, blood dyscrasias, or metallic poisoning.
g. gravidarum Pregnancy gingivitis.
hyperplastic g.Overgrowth of the gums, associated with an increase in the number of the gingival component cells, usually in response to inflammation. Its causes include dental plaque; local irritants; long-term use of phenytoin, nifedipine, or cyclosporine; puberty; use of hormonal contraceptives; and leukemia.
The primary lesion starts as a painless enlargement of the gingiva. This lesion may develop into tissue masses that cover the crowns of the teeth and produce periodontitis.
Treatment includes avoiding causative factors and surgical removal of enlarged tissue.
The presence of the enlarged gingiva makes plaque removal difficult. Patients should schedule regular dental appointments for dental prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction.
ABBR: NUG
A relatively rare and severe form of periodontal disease, marked by destruction of the gingiva and ulcerations of the epithelium of the mouth. It is associated with infection with multiple oral microbes.SYN: trench mouth; Vincent angina.This condition is treated by débriding the teeth, and rinsing the mouth with saline or a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution. Chlorhexidine (2%) rinses are also effective. Chemical or physical trauma to the mucosa must be avoided. Fluids should be forced and proper nutrition and dental hygiene provided. Antibiotic therapy with penicillin or metronidazole is effective.
phagedenic g.A rapidly spreading ulceration of the gums accompanied by extensive ulceration and sloughing of tissue.
pregnancy g.Gingivitis of pregnancy, a form of hyperplastic gingivitis. SYN: gingivitis gravidarum.
The clinical picture varies considerably. The gingival tissue tends to be bright red or magenta, soft, and friable, with a smooth, shiny surface. Bleeding occurs spontaneously or with little provocation. Lesions are typically generalized and more prominent at interproximal areas.
A dental professional must remove the local irritants. Patients should be referred for a dental prophylaxis and instructed about effective oral hygiene using a very soft toothbrush or sponge stick.