Final answer:
Gingivitis is a periodontal disease restricted to the gums, characterized by inflammation and potential erosion caused by bacteria such as Porphyromonas and Streptococcus.
Step-by-step explanation:
A periodontal disease that is restricted to the gums is an inflammation called gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the initial stage in periodontal diseases, which occurs when plaque accumulates on teeth, bacteria colonize the gingival space, and the area becomes anaerobic, allowing various microbes to colonize and produce bacterial products that cause inflammation and gum damage.
It is usually diagnosed by visual inspection and X-rays and is treated with good dental hygiene and, in severe cases, with antibiotics.
When gingivitis is not properly managed, it can progress to a more severe condition known as periodontitis. This advanced stage leads to the gums receding and exposing parts of the tooth below the crown. Without treatment, this can lead to tooth loss and jawbone erosion, and treatment may involve antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline.