ICD-10 Code K05.00 – Acute gingivitis, plaque induced (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K05.00 – Acute gingivitis, plaque induced
What it is
K05.00 identifies acute gingivitis caused by plaque buildup along the gums. It refers to a short-term inflammatory condition of the gingiva, usually limited to the soft tissue around the teeth.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include red, swollen, and tender gums with bleeding on brushing or probing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation if the record does not clearly describe plaque-related gingival inflammation.
When to use this code
Use K05.00 when the provider documents acute gingivitis specifically linked to dental plaque. It fits encounters describing gingival inflammation without evidence that the problem is chronic or due to another cause. If the note only says “gingivitis,” check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic gingivitis, periodontal disease, or gingival inflammation from another documented cause. If the etiology is unclear, check documentation rather than assuming plaque-induced disease.
Coding tip
Look for the word “plaque-induced” or an equivalent provider statement before assigning K05.00.