Abstract
Gingivitis is a disease of local origin primarily, although in many cases a constitutional factor is concerned.—The predisposition arises during the eruptive period of the second dentition.—The developmental predisposing cause of most importance is a crowded condition of the permanent dentition.—Of acquired predisposing causes, calculus deposits on the teeth are the most important.—Others are those which either cause stagnation around the teeth, or produce definite mechanical injury to the gum margin.—They can take effect at any age.
Orthodontic treatment directed towards the arrangement of the optimum number of teeth in well functioning order is the ideal prophylactic.
Other preventive measures are to employ such methods of artificial cleansing as brushing and the use of floss silk.—These are the adjuncts to automatic cleansing best carried out by efficient mastication of a suitable diet.—This is only possible when the arrangement of the teeth is such that stagnation of any kind of food is reduced to a minimum.