Healthy gums are firm, pink and do not bleed when you brush or floss. If yours are red, swollen or sore, there are practical steps you can take, and some problems need professional care.
What is going on with your gums
Gum inflammation usually starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline. This early stage is called gingivitis. It can often be reversed with better cleaning and a professional cleaning. If it is not treated it can progress to periodontitis, which affects the bone supporting the teeth. Read more in our guide to bleeding gums.
Habits that help
- Brush gently, twice a day. Use a soft brush and angle it toward the gumline. Scrubbing hard can irritate gums and wear them down.
- Clean between your teeth daily. This removes plaque from spots the brush cannot reach. Gums may bleed for a few days when you first start, and this usually improves as they get healthier.
- Do not skip cleanings. Hardened plaque, called tartar, can only be removed professionally.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco. It is a major risk factor for gum disease.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
- Manage health conditions. Diabetes and some medications can affect your gums, so tell your dentist about them.
Signs that call for a dentist
- Gums that bleed often or have been red or swollen for more than a week or two
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
- Gums pulling back from the teeth, or teeth that look longer
- Loose teeth or a change in how your teeth fit together
- Pus between the teeth and gums
Gum disease can develop without pain, so regular exams matter even if nothing hurts.
Professional treatment
Depending on what your dentist finds, treatment can include a professional cleaning, a deeper cleaning below the gumline called scaling and root planing, ongoing periodontal maintenance, and sometimes gum grafting for recession. Read about gum recession treatment.
Gums and overall health
Gum health is linked in research with other conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. See gum health, diabetes and heart health.
Specialist care at NoHo Dental Group
Dr. Bijan Afar is a board-certified periodontist, a specialist in the gums and the bone around the teeth. Learn more on our gum disease treatment page, or call (747) 339-7016 to schedule an evaluation.
This article is general information and does not replace an exam or personal advice from your dentist.
Have questions about your own teeth? Request an appointment or call (747) 339-7016.
