gingivitis

/ˈdʒɪndʒəˌvaɪdɪs/

/dʒɪndʒɪˈvaɪtɪs/

Gingivitis is a disease that makes your gums red and swollen and often gives you bad breath. Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Is even your dog offended by your breath? It's probably gingivitis.

If gingivitis isn't treated, it can lead to periodontitis, a much more serious condition that can damage your teeth and even the bones in your jaw. Gingivitis is a common and easily reversible condition that's caused by plaque building up on the teeth. To avoid gingivitis, it's important to brush and floss and to visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings. Gingivitis comes from Latin gingivae, "gums," and -itis, "inflammation."

Definitions of gingivitis

1. noun

   inflammation of the gums
   type of:

   periodontal disease, periodontitis

   a disease that attacks the gum and bone and around the teeth