Refer to Section 4 of the full guidance.
Gingivitis is plaque-induced inflammation of the gingivae characterised by red, swollen tissues that bleed on brushing or probing.
Clinical signs are visible after around seven days of undisturbed plaque accumulation and the severity of the inflammatory response is greater in older people than in the young. The condition is reversible after the establishment of effective plaque removal.
Gingivitis can also be associated with puberty and pregnancy.
Patients taking certain drugs for existing conditions may be at risk of drug-induced gingival enlargement. In many cases, the condition will respond to non-surgical treatment but in more severe cases modification of the drug regimen by the patient's physician may be considered.
Unexplained gingival enlargement, inflammation and bleeding can be a sign of undiagnosed leukaemia in both children and adults.
In cases where gingivitis or gingival enlargement does not respond to treatment as expected or the extent of the condition is inconsistent with the level of oral hygiene observed, consider urgent referral to a physician.