Gingivitis By James T Ubertalli, DMD, Hingham, MA Reviewed / Revised May 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Topic Resources Relatively Healthy Gums and... Gingivitis Gingivitis is a type of periodontal disease characterized by inflammation of the gums (gingivae), causing bleeding with swelling, redness, exudate, a change of normal contours, and, occasionally, discomfort.