Introduction
The use and knowledge of definitions are a crucial part of communicating. This post is a demonstration of how to define a technical term using parenthetical, sentence and expanded definitions.
Parenthetical Definition:
Gingivitis is a type of 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 area of the gum that lies along the base of the tooth). Although the disease itself is mild, it can lead to much worse further disease, even the loss of a tooth.
When is Treatment Needed?
Treatment is required and should be sought out 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, some more common consequences include 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
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