Healthy gums are pale pink, firm and look speckled. Gingivitis is the condition when the gums become inflamed, red, swollen, puffy, tender and bleed easily. This generally results from the bacteria in plaque. Bacteria begins to colonise beneath the gum line, and gradually starts to penetrate the gum tissues. When
your body launches an immune response against these invaders, the gums begin to get inflamed, red, swollen, puffy, tender and bleed easily.

Gingivitis is a progressive disease that in the early stages may go undetected. The first indications are usually bleeding when you brush or floss, and puffiness in the gums. Because this may cause no pain, most people are unaware that they have a problem.

As the infection progresses, the body launches an immune response against the invaders. This causes the characteristic swelling, pain and redness of gingivitis. At this point, regular brushing and flossing can usually stop the infection; however, without change in oral hygiene, often the bacteria will continue to overpower the body’s immune system, and may lead to periodontal disease. This is a potentially serious disease that may result in tooth loss.

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