Gingivitis
Gingivitis, painless inflammation or degeneration of the gum tissue, or gingiva, considered the first stage of gum disease. The gum tissue between the teeth becomes swollen and uneven; the tissue at the gum line becomes darker; and gums bleed easily. In advanced cases, the mouth will develop a noticeably unpleasant odor. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque, a film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth at the gum line. Toxins released from the bacteria irritate the gums, causing the gums to swell and bleed. This enables the bacteria to penetrate just below the gum line into an area known as the gingival sulcus. Warm, moist, and protected from the tongue and the chewing movement of the teeth, the gingival sulcus provides the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. Moreover, the delicate tissues of the sulcus are particularly vulnerable to the strong toxins produced by the bacteria. As the bacteria grow and continue to release toxins, they create a solid pocket of plaque ben