Gingivitis in Cats Gingivitis is considered the earliest stage
of periodontal disease. This stage is reversible with proper
care. It is indicated by inflammation of the gingiva, or gums.
In the early phases of gingivitis, some plaque is present and
there is a mild redness of the gums, but the gingival surfaces
are smooth. Dental calculus is calcium phosphate and carbonate
mixed with organic matter. In advanced gingivitis there are
plaque and calculus under the gums, moderate-to-severe redness
of the gums and the gum surfaces are irregular. Plaque is the
result of a collection of food, debris, bacteria, dead skin
cells and mucous. It forms within 24 hours on clean tooth
surfaces. The gum responds to plaque with inflammation of the
gingival blood vessels, swelling of the gums, and collagen loss
from the gums. The gingival sulcus, or gum pocket, is the narrow
space between the inner wall of the gum and the tooth. As
gingivitis develops, the bacteria present in these pockets
changes, releasing toxins which destro