Gum inflammation with no destruction of PDL or bone; symptoms include tenderness, erythema, and bleeding gums; treatment includes good oral hygiene with regular dental visits. This condition is called?

• A. Periodontitis
• B. Gingivitis
• C. Stomatitis
• D. Xerostomia

Answer: (B)

Gingivitis is inflammation confined to the gums without destruction of the periodontal ligament or alveolar bone. The tenderness, redness (erythema), and gums bleeding on probing or brushing are classic signs of gingival inflammation caused by plaque biofilm at the gingival margin. Because there is no attachment loss or bone loss, this condition is reversible with good plaque control and regular dental visits to remove plaque and calculus. In contrast, periodontitis would involve destruction of the supporting structures like the periodontal ligament and bone, stomatitis refers to mucosal inflammation beyond the gums (often with ulcers), and xerostomia is dry mouth from reduced saliva, not an inflammatory gingival condition.