Inflammation of gum is called
Inflammation limited to the gum is called gingivitis; inflammation that damages deeper supporting tissues is called periodontitis.
The short answer
Gingivitis affects the gingiva around the teeth and can cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding. Periodontitis extends into the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone and may create pockets or tooth mobility.
What commonly causes gingivitis and deeper gum disease?
The usual driver is plaque, although calculus, smoking, hormonal changes, mouth breathing, ill-fitting restorations, and some medicines can influence the gums. A dentist measures tissues and checks for contributing factors.
How can daily cleaning help prevent gum inflammation?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth every day. Professional removal of calculus may be needed because a toothbrush cannot remove hardened deposits.
Which gum changes should be checked by a dentist?
Seek dental care for bleeding that continues, recession, bad breath with swelling, pus, loose teeth, or changes in the bite. Urgent help is needed for facial swelling or fever.
How can the dentist tell gingivitis from periodontitis?
Ask whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis, what findings support the diagnosis, and which areas need professional cleaning or periodontal treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can gingivitis become periodontitis?
Untreated plaque-related inflammation can be associated with progression into deeper supporting tissues, so persistent symptoms should be assessed and treated.
What should I do while arranging an examination?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth every day. Professional removal of calculus may be needed because a toothbrush cannot remove hardened deposits.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.