The gums appear red and bleed easily. Often, the bleeding continues for several minutes or more because the blood doesn't clot normally in people with leukemia. In pericoronitis, the gum swells over a tooth that hasn't fully emerged, usually a lower wisdom tooth. The flap of gum over the partially emerged tooth can trap fluids, bits of food, and bacteria. If the upper wisdom tooth emerges before the lower one, it may bite on this flap, increasing the irritation.
Infections can develop and spread to the throat or cheek.
People who form a lot of tartar can use a tartar-control toothpaste that contains pyrophosphate. People with poor oral hygiene, medical conditions that can lead to gingivitis, or a tendency to produce plaque may need professional cleanings more often. Depending on how fast tartar forms, a person may need professional cleanings every 3 months to every year. Because of their excellent blood supply, the gums quickly become healthy again after tartar and plaque are removed as long as the person brushes and flosses carefully. Medical conditions that might cause or worsen gingivitis should be treated or controlled.