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gingivitis
(jin″jĭ-viĀ“tis)
inflammation of the gums (gingivae). Bleeding is a primary symptom, and there may be swelling, redness, pain, and difficulty in chewing. It can lead to the more serious disorder known as periodontitis, with bony changes in addition to the gingivitis. There are numerous causes, of which the primary one is pathogenic microorganisms
in the crevices between the gums and the teeth.

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