A method (500) for localizing gingival inflammation using an oral care device (10), the method comprising: (i) emitting (520) light at a first intensity by a light emitter (42)； (ii) obtaining (530) first reflectance measurements by a light detector (40) from locations within the user's mouth to generate first reflectance data； (iii) determining (540), by a controller (30) from the first reflectance data, whether the location comprises gingiva； (iv) automatically adjusting (550), based at least in part on the first reflectance data, the intensity of a light emitter to a second intensity different from the first intensity, and/or automatically adjusting (550) a gain of a light detector； (v) obtaining (560) a second plurality of reflectance measurements by the light detector of the oral care device for at least some of the locations； and (vi) determining (570), using the second plurality of reflectance measurements, whether gingiva at the location is inflamed.
