Gingivitis

- The gums around the teeth should be pink - red gums are a sign of infection from the bacteria in plaque
- The gums should make sharp thin points between the teeth - swollen and rounded gums are a sign of infection (gingivitis)
- Overgrowth of the gum due to plaque (gingival hyperplasia) - this may need to be cut back with laser during treatment
- Gingivitis will usually cause the gums to bleed on flossing
- Gums are tough - one week of excellent brushing and flossing should make them healthy again