What is the correct term for the inflammation of one's gums?

The correct term for inflammation of the gums is gingivitis. It is the earliest and generally reversible form of gum disease, most often caused by bacterial plaque accumulating around the teeth and gumline.

Common signs include red or swollen gums, tenderness, bad breath, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. The bleeding is not considered normal, although many people mistakenly assume it means they should avoid cleaning the area.

Gingivitis can usually improve when plaque is removed through regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleaning. If it remains untreated, inflammation may progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that damages the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.

The word is built from gingiva, the anatomical term for gum tissue, and -itis, a suffix meaning inflammation. Gingivitis is not the same as periodontitis: gingivitis involves inflammation without the permanent bone loss characteristic of advanced periodontal disease.