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Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are pink and firm. They don't bleed when brushed or flossed. The space between the gums and the teeth, called the sulcus, is 1 to 3 millimeters deep. (One millimeter is about the same thickness as a dime.)
Periodontal disease is a chronic (long-term) bacterial infection. It can affect one or many of your teeth. The disease has four stages: gingivitis and early, moderate or advanced periodontitis. About 50% of U.S. adults have gingivitis. About 35% have early to moderate periodontitis and 7% to 15% have advanced periodontitis.
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