can gingivitis in any way be connected to HCV?

Hi Margaret,
It does not surprise me that these two may be related: not the HCV and gingivitis, but the gallbladder removal and gingivits. Both have a part in the digestive system, and some symptoms from gallbladder removal (indigestion, not being able to eat...possibly not brush as well, etc) could have contributed to plaque/tartar build-up (which is all gingivitis is). What symptoms did she experience during and after surgery?

Gingivits can happen to anyone. The risk factors are:
* Poor oral health habits
* Tobacco use
* Diabetes
* Older age
* Decreased immunity, such as that occurring with leukemia or HIV/AIDS
* Certain medications
* Certain viral and fungal infections
* Dry mouth
* Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy
* Poor nutrition
* Substance abuse
* Ill-fitting dental restorations

Most of the time, gingivits is caused by formation of plaque on the teeth, which leads to tartar on/under the gums. You mentioned that the dentist did not notice any build-up of plaque during her appointment a month ago, and now has been diagnosed with gingivitis (did she recently go to the dentist again?).

If the gingivitis was not caused by plaque, and it's not known what it was caused from, your dentist may recommend that you get a medical evaluation to check for underlying medical conditions.

Questions for Thought:
- Did your dentist recommend the above to you (medical evaluation), or did they mention that the gingivitis was from visible plaque build-up?
- Gingivitis is relatively easy to treat, assuming it has not formed into periodontal disease (sounds like it was caught early). It may have nothing to do with your daughter's other health conditions...do any of the "risk factors" mentioned above resonate with your daughter's experience? For instance: hormonal changes may have caused it; not brushing/flossing as well may also have been a factor. Even more likely: was she taking any new medications with her surgery and post-surgery?

How is your daughter doing after her surgery? How old is your daughter? You said you are feeling stressed, and worried that she's falling apart. Plaque/tartar on her teeth may not be an indicator of "more things to come", as it is fairly common. Does any of this information help?