Dentistry · Dental System · Hard

Gingivitis

Meaning: Inflammation of the gingiva — the earliest reversible stage of gum disease.

In practice: Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed on probing.

Word parts

  • gingiv- means gum
  • -itis means inflammation

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related dentistry words.

Which word means: The way the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed.

Which word means: A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.

Words like gingivitis come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More dentistry terms · All medical words