Gingivitis is a type of periodontal disease and occurs when the gums are inflamed. The gums of the teeth destroy tissue due to inflammation and infection known as periodontal disease (MedlinePlus n. pag.). Gingivitis typically precedes periodontitis but it is important to understand that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis (“Gum Disease” n. pag.). In most cases, gingivitis is due to failure to brush and floss, which can lead to the use of certain medications and cause medical conditions. When your gums become red, swollen and start to bleed, it is usually a sign of a common disease, gingivitis. Sometimes gingivitis goes undetected and causes almost no pain in the early stages. However, untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a gum disease more serious than gingivitis that can lead to tooth loss. Plaque-induced gingivitis, drug-induced gingivitis, vitamin deficiency, infection and pregnancy, menopause, leukemia and impacted tooth (pericoronitis) are some of the causes of gingivitis (“Gingivitis: Periodontal” n. pag.). Many symptoms help the dentist diagnose whether or not a patient has gum disease (“Gum Disease” n. pag.). Gingivitis has many symptoms, causes and ways to prevent this gum disease, luckily treatment and therapy options are available (“Gingivitis” MedlinePlus n. pag.). In some cases, even in the advanced stages, gingivitis can progress painlessly and slowly, creating less noticeable signs. Blood while brushing your teeth, red, swollen or painful gums, persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth, receding gums, loose or moving teeth and much more are some symptoms of gingivitis (“Gum Disease” n . page). Other symptoms of gingivitis are: bright r...... center of paper ......because all causes of gingivitis are similar but can vary in degrees and stages. In conclusion, this disease can be prevented and treated. (Spear 41). Works Cited "Gingivitis". Magill's Medical Guide, 4th Rev. ed. 01 December 2008. eLibrary. Network. October 15, 2010. "Gingvite." MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia. February 22, 2010. October 15, 2010. "Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis) Symptoms, Treatments, Causes." WebMD. 2009. October 15, 2010. “Gingivitis: Periodontal Diseases.” Merck Home Edition Manual. 08 October 2008. 15 October 2010. .Spear, Frank. “Using Margin Placement to Achieve the Best Anterior Restorative Aesthetics.” At the chair. 2009: 40-46.