Knowledge catalog
ClassificationK05.0dentistry

Gingivitis — Classification

Reversible gingival inflammation — the most prevalent oral disease and precursor to periodontitis

Classification

Plaque-Induced Gingivitis on Intact Periodontium

Most common form; caused by bacterial plaque; fully reversible with treatment

  • Erythema, edema, BOP
  • Normal probing depths (<3mm)
  • No bone loss
  • Reversible after plaque control

Gingivitis Mediated by Systemic/Local Risk Factors

Exaggerated response to plaque due to hormones, medications, systemic disease

  • Disproportionate inflammation for plaque level
  • May include gingival overgrowth
  • Medication review important
  • Plaque control reduces but may not eliminate inflammation without treating systemic factor

Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth

Fibrotic gingival enlargement from phenytoin, cyclosporin, or calcium channel blockers

  • Painless, firm nodular gingival enlargement
  • Begins in interdental papillae
  • Worsened by poor plaque control
  • May require gingivectomy if plaque control insufficient

Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (NUG)

Acute, painful necrosis of interdental papillae; associated with stress, poor nutrition, immunosuppression

  • Punched-out ulceration of papillae
  • Grayish pseudomembrane
  • Fetid odor (halitosis)
  • Bleeding and pain
  • Associated with HIV in Africa