gingival

gingival disease any disease of the gingivae, such as gingivitis. The American Academy of Periodontology classifies gingival disease as a major group of periodontal diseases and distinguishes two main subgroups, those gingival diseases induced by dental plaque and those attributed to other causes. The plaque-induced diseases may be associated with endocrine changes, medications, systemic disease, or malnutrition. The other causes of gingival lesions include viral infections, fungal infections, genetic predispositions, systemic conditions, allergic reactions, traumatic lesions, and a variety of others. See table at periodontal disease.