The key to be able to maintain healthy gums is to keep the control of plaque. The inflammation of the gums around the teeth due to improper cleaning of teeth is called gingivitis gum disease. At all ages, gingivitis gum disease is caused primarily by local irritants and is nearly always reversible. Swollen and bleeding gums during brushing are the usual signs of early gum disease. If the mouth is failed to be rinsed after meals, and left without brushing teeth, thin layer of food and bacteria can begin to cover the surface of the teeth. This bacterium is the chief culprit behind the inflammation known as gingivitis. At this stage of infection, the gums can become soft, swollen and spongy.