gingivitis
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of gingivitis
From New Latin, dating back to 1870–75; see origin at gingiva, -itis
Explanation
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."
Vocabulary lists containing gingivitis
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Different antimicrobial mouthwashes, whether available over-the-counter or on prescription, can be used in the management of gingivitis, dental caries, periodontal diseases, halitosis, etc."
From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025
It found 76.8% of the players in the study had gingivitis - inflammation of the gums - compared to just 40% of 15-year-olds in England, with 22.5% showing signs of irreversible gum disease.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025
The two main types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
From Salon • Jan. 30, 2024
He had a fractured jaw that had healed poorly—a possible sign of physical violence—several cavities, missing teeth, abscesses in the mouth, gingivitis, and periodontitis, all signs of poor health care.
From Science Magazine • Nov. 2, 2022
Pyorrhœa alveolaris is a chronic form of gingivitis, met with after middle life, which begins in relation to the necks of the teeth and the alveolo-dental periosteum.
From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
