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Healthy gums are pink in color and firm. The gum between the teeth (the papilla
is pointed).
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Early periodontal disease results in gingivitis. Note the swollen, red gums around
the teeth.
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When periodontal disease becomes more acute, it can result in ANUG ("trench mouth").
Trench mouth is characterized by severe redness of the gum, retractibility of the
tissue, and pain and bleeding while brushing or eating. |
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When no periodontal disease is present, bone surrounds the teeth and fills the spaces
between the teeth on x-rays. |
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As periodontal disease progresses, supporting bone is lost, as demonstrated in this
x-ray. [Click the x-ray to see where the bone level was prior to bone loss due
to periodontal disease.]
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