Prevalence of Gingivitis and Periodontitis in Saudi adult male population and the ABO blood group distribution.

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums, or gingiva. It commonly occurs because a film of plaque, or bacteria, accumulates on the teeth. Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, but untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Gingivitis is mild gum disease. It is an infection caused by germs called bacteria. Gingivitis can be treated with good dental care from your dentist and at home.Gingivitis can go away, but may come back if you do not keep cleaning your teeth properly at home. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene that encourages plaque to form on teeth, causing inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues. Here's how plaque can lead to gingivitis: Plaque forms on your teeth. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque–– a naturally-occurring sticky film containing bacteria – on the teeth and gums. The bacteria found in plaque produce toxins that can irritate the gums and cause them to become red, inflamed, puffy, and may even lead to bleeding. (Gingivitis is actually the number one cause of bleeding gums in adults).