What is Gingivitis?
[[File:Gingivitis (crop).jpg|thumb|200px|A patient with gingivitis.]] '''Gingivitis''' is the [[inflammation]] of the [[Gingiva|gums]] around the [[teeth]]. Gingivitis may be caused by a buildup of [[plaque]] and [[tartar]] because the teeth have not been cleaned properly. It can also be a manifestation of a systemic disease, as in [[diabetes]] or [[AIDS]]. Sometimes excessive brushing or [[dental floss|flossing]] can wear out the gums causing gum recession. If gingivitis is not treated by proper oral hygiene, it can lead to [[periodontitis]], which is a more advanced state of gum disease, that affects the bone and is harder to treat. == Other websites == * [http://www.studiodentaire.com/en/conditions/gingivitis.php Gingivitis and Periodontitis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913210641/http://www.studiodentaire.com/en/conditions/gingivitis.php |date=2007-09-13 }} * [http://www.studiodentaire.com/en/treatments/gum_treatments.php Gum Disease Treatments] == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Diseases and disorders of the mouth]] [[Category:Inflammation]] {{biology-stub}}