Chronic Gingivitis

The inflammation may occur around teeth supported by an intact periodontium or around a reduced periodontium. Bleeding on probing is the central clinical feature used in the case definition.

Dental plaque biofilm is a common trigger for plaque-induced gingivitis. Other gingival conditions are not caused by plaque and may reflect a local oral lesion or systemic disease, so plaque removal alone may not resolve them.

A person successfully treated for periodontitis can still have a reduced periodontium. If gingival inflammation returns in that setting, the person remains a periodontitis patient and requires attention to recurrent or progressive disease.

Local predisposing factors and systemic modifying factors affect the extent, severity, and progression of gingivitis. Smoking, hormonal changes, systemic illness, and plaque-retaining local factors are recognised categories.

Diagnosis uses bleeding on probing and a classification of the gingival condition. The assessment also separates plaque-induced gingivitis from non-plaque-induced disease and records whether the periodontium is intact or reduced.

Treatment aims to eliminate bacterial plaque and establish effective daily cleaning. Oral-hygiene instruction, management of risk factors, and professional treatment reduce the bacterial load and level of inflammation; local anaesthesia can be used for gum treatment.

Cost follows the amount of professional gum treatment, instruction, risk-factor management, and follow-up required. The extent of inflammation and the condition of supporting tissues affect the care pathway.

Continuing inflammation in a reduced periodontium can represent recurrent or progressive periodontitis. Professional cleaning may also cause gum-line shrinkage, open black triangles, and sensitivity to cold or acidic foods that usually settles after a few months.

Keep plaque under control with careful daily oral hygiene, address recognised risk factors, and attend regular follow-up. Review visits commonly occur every three to six months, with frequency linked to disease severity and progression risk.