Introduction

Definitions are a crucial part of communicating. This post is a demonstration of how to define a technical term to an audience that may not be well-versed in a particular subject, using parenthetical, sentence and expanded definitions.

Parenthetical Definition:

Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes inflammation and irritation of the gums.

Sentence Definition:

Gingivitis is a mild gum disease that causes irritation, redness and inflammation of the part of your gums around the base of your teeth.

Expanded Definition:

What is Gingivitis

Gingivitis is one of the more mild gum diseases, most likely caused by poor oral hygiene. This disease causes multiple symptoms, such as irritation, redness and swelling in the gingiva (the gum area that lies along the base of the tooth).

When is Treatment Needed?

Treatment is required and should be sought almost immediately after noticing any symptoms of gingivitis. Common symptoms include swollen or dark red gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing (Figure 1), tender gums and excessively bad breath. If treatment is not immediately sought, common consequences include the potential loss of teeth.

FIGURE 1. Bleeding gums from gingivitis
Source: From Healthline.com, n.d., https://www.healthline.com/health/gingivitis#gallery-open

FIGURE 2. Buildup Causing Infected Tooth
Source: From healthline.com, n.d., https://www.healthline.com/health/gingivitis#gallery-open

References

Hersh, E. (2019, November 1). Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Healthline. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/gingivitis#types-of-infections

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2017, August 4). Gingivitis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453