The soft tissue surrounding the teeth that protects underlying structures and keeps the teeth in position in the jaw. Healthy gums are pink or brown and firm. Careful oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease. Gingivitis may occur if plaque is allowed to collect around the base of the teeth. Untreated gingivitis may lead to chronic periodontitis. Bleeding gums are nearly always a symptom of gingivitis; rarely, they are due to leukaemia or scurvy. Gingival hyperplasia occurs most often as a side-effect of treatment with phenytoin.
Gum |
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