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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffDiagnosis of gingivitis is generally simple. Diagnosis is based on your description of symptoms and an exam of your mouth and tongue. Your dentist will look for plaque and tartar buildup and may check for easy bleeding.
If it's not known what has caused your gingivitis, your dentist may recommend that you get a medical evaluation to check for underlying medical conditions.
- What is gingivitis? American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/gingivitis.htm. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
- Nguyen HD, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
- Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
- Gingivitis. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch095/ch095c.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
- The use and handling of toothbrushes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums (oral hygiene). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning_faq.asp. Accessed Oct. 23, 2008.
- Assad DA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., Oct. 19, 2008.
