Tim Taylor is a senior writer at Innerbody Research focusing on human anatomy and physiology. Tim earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and his Master's degree in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh.

Last updated: Apr 15th, 2025

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A swollen gum may be tender and bleed easily. The first stage of periodontal disease is gum inflammation or gingivitis, and the gums may become reddish or purple and slightly swollen. You may have a sour taste, and your breath may be offensive.

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