It is a branch of dentistry which deals with the diseases of gingiva and tissues around the root (periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone and cement).

Healthy gums do not bleed upon brushing. Following tooth brushing, pink-red coloured saliva in the sink indicates inflammation of the gums.

Healthy gums are usually pale pink in colour, opaque, dimpled, having a hard consistency. They do not bleed and they end sharply without any swellings where they touch the tooth surface.