Understanding Gum Disease: Bacteria, Inflammation, and Tooth Health #3856748 (License: Personal Use)

The image depicts a cross-section of a human tooth with visibly inflamed, red gums at the base, indicating gingivitis or early periodontitis. To the right, a magnifying lens highlights clusters of pink spherical bacteria embedded in a biofilm matrix on a blue background, representing the microbial plaque responsible for initiating gum disease. The visual contrast emphasizes the link between bacterial colonization and tissue inflammation.

This image is commonly used on dental health websites, patient education portals, or periodontal treatment pages to explain the pathogenesis of gum disease. It targets users searching for symptoms of gingivitis, causes of bad breath, or preventive dentistry advice-aligning with informational and preventative healthcare intent.