Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
You might not pay attention to your gums until they bleed or look inflamed. But your gums deserve your attention!
Unhealthy gums can cause a whole host of issues, including bad breath and tooth loss!
Wondering if your gums are healthy? Here is how to tell and what you can do to keep them healthy for the long run.
Table of Contents
- What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
- Signs of Unhealthy Gums
- Tips to Keep Your Gums Healthy
- When to See a Dentist
- Gum Health Checklist
- Keep Your Gums Healthy with Post St Dental Group in San Francisco
Key Takeaway
Healthy gums should be light pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth without any swelling or bleeding. To keep your gums healthy, maintain a consistent oral care routine, including regular brushing and flossing, and schedule dental check-ups.
What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
Healthy gums are firm, light pink, and fit tightly around your teeth.
To maintain your gum health, it is important to know what healthy gums look like and how they should feel.
- Healthy gum color: They should be a light pink shade, though this can vary slightly depending on your natural skin tone.
- Firm texture: Gums should be firm to the touch and should not be swollen or puffy.
- No bleeding: Healthy gums do not bleed during brushing or flossing.
- No bad breath: Gums that are free from infection should not cause persistent bad breath.
Signs of Unhealthy Gums
Unhealthy gums show early warning signs that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious gum diseases like periodontitis.
Gum disease progresses in stages, from mild to advanced, and recognizing the signs early can save you from more complicated dental issues later on. Look out for the following:
- Gum inflammation: Swollen, red, or tender gums are a sign of gum infection, also known as gingivitis.
- Bleeding gums: If you notice bleeding during brushing or flossing, this is a warning sign of gum disease.
- Bad breath: Persistent bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth, is often caused by harmful bacteria in the gums.
- Gum recession: If your gums are pulling away from your teeth, forming pockets between the gums and teeth, it is a sign of gum damage.
- Loose teeth: In advanced stages of gum disease, you may notice loose teeth or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Tooth loss: Periodontal disease, if not treated, can lead to tooth loss as the infection destroys the bone supporting your teeth.
These signs of unhealthy gums can be treated if caught early, but ignoring them may result in more severe health issues, including tooth loss and even an increased risk of heart disease.
| 💡 Did you know? Up to 47% of adults in the US over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease! |
Tips to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Maintaining healthy gums requires a consistent oral care routine.
Here are some practical steps to help you improve gum health:
- Brush regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste or one with nano-hydroxapatite.
- Floss daily: Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Use anti-gingivitis mouthwash: Rinse daily with an anti-gingivitis mouthwash to kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup (if recommended by your dentist).
- Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental exams to catch any early signs of gum disease before they progress.
- Avoid aggressive brushing: Brushing too hard can damage your gum tissue, leading to gum recession. Be gentle with your gums.
When to See a Dentist
If you notice any signs of unhealthy gums, it is time to schedule a visit with your dentist.
Catching gum disease early can prevent it from progressing into more advanced stages like periodontitis. You should see a dentist if you experience:
- Persistent gum inflammation
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
Regular dental visits and teeth cleanings are important to keep your gums healthy and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar that leads to gum disease. Your dentist can also provide more intensive treatment options, such as dental a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).
Gum Health Checklist
Wondering if your gums are in good shape? A quick self-check can help you spot the signs early. Use the table below to compare the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy gums.
| Feature | Healthy Gums | Unhealthy Gums |
| Color | Light pink or coral | Red, dark pink, or purple |
| Texture | Firm and resilient | Swollen and tender |
| Fit Around Teeth | Tight, snug fit | Gaps or pockets forming |
| Bleeding | No bleeding when brushing/flossing | Frequent bleeding during brushing/flossing |
| Breath | No persistent bad breath | Persistent bad breath |
| Swelling | No swelling | Noticeable swelling |
| Recession | No gum recession | Gums pulling away from teeth |
| Tooth Stability | Teeth are stable | Loose or shifting teeth |
Keep Your Gums Healthy with Post St Dental Group in San Francisco
Numerous studies have shown the strong link between gum disease and other systemic health conditions, including heart disease and respiratory diseases.
Schedule your next dental cleaning or consultation with our experienced dentists in San Francisco and keep your smile in great shape! Call our dentist office in San Francisco at (415) 986-4534 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
For more information on caring for your gums and overall oral health, check out our blog for expert advice.