Your gums are pretty important. They protect your teeth and connect to your overall health. Lots of people have gum problems, and if you ignore them, they can lead to serious oral diseases and other health issues.
So, what does unhealthy gums look like? This article will give you a comprehensive overview, including the causes and how to treat them.
Gum disease gets worse over time, starting with gingivitis. Finding it early is key for getting the right treatment and keeping your mouth healthy.
What do healthy gums look like?
It’s important to know what healthy gums look like so you can spot problems early.
Healthy gums are:
- Firm to the touch, not spongy or soft
- Pink — either a pale pink or a medium pink
- Smooth, with a stippled surface (like an orange peel)
- Shaped to fit tightly around each tooth
- Free of sores, cuts, or bumps
- Don’t bleed when you brush or floss
If your gums look different than the description above, keep reading. The next section describes what unhealthy gums look like.
Visual signs of unhealthy gums: What to look for
What do unhealthy gums look like? Here are some of the tip-offs that your gums may need some extra attention:
Changes in color and texture
- Redness and inflammation. Healthy gums are generally a light-to-medium pink. If your gums are red and inflamed, that’s often one of the first signs of gingivitis.
- Swelling and puffiness. Unhealthy gums may look swollen or puffy.
- Shiny appearance. Sometimes, inflamed gums may appear shiny.
Bleeding and sensitivity
- Bleeding gums. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, that’s a common sign that something’s not right.
- Pain or discomfort. Healthy gums shouldn’t hurt when you brush or floss.
- Increased sensitivity. If your teeth have become more sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods, your gums may be to blame.
Gum recession and pocket formation
- Receding gums. Gums that are pulling away from your teeth are a sign of gum problems.
- Pocket formation. Spaces or pockets may form between your teeth and gums.
Stages of gum disease: from gingivitis to periodontitis
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, progresses through stages. The early stage, gingivitis, can often be reversed, while periodontitis, the more advanced form, can cause irreversible damage.
Gingivitis: The early stage
Gingivitis is defined as an inflammation of the gums. The good news is that gingivitis is often reversible if you start practicing good oral hygiene.
If you have gingivitis, you might notice:
- Redness around the gumline
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
Periodontitis: The advanced stage
Periodontitis is a more advanced infection that leads to bone loss and, ultimately, tooth loss. The damage from periodontitis can’t be undone.
If you have periodontitis, you might notice:
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Pockets forming between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
Over time, periodontitis can lead to heart problems, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. There’s a growing body of research that suggests an association between gum disease, heart disease, and stroke.
What causes unhealthy gums?
A variety of factors can lead to unhealthy gums, including:
Plaque and tartar buildup
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that’s constantly forming on your teeth. If that plaque isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease.
Inadequate oral hygiene, such as a lack of regular brushing and flossing, is a major cause of gum problems.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease, with a strong association between periodontitis and smoking.
An unhealthy diet, especially one high in sugary foods, promotes plaque buildup, which leads to gum inflammation and cavities.
Systemic conditions
Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of gum disease. People with diabetes, particularly those with poorly controlled blood sugar, face a higher risk of developing gum disease.
In addition, some other medical conditions and medications can negatively affect gum health.
Stress
Even stress can be a risk factor for unhealthy gums.
Improving gum health: Prevention and treatment
There’s a lot you can do to keep your gums healthy and spot problems early. Here are some of the best practices for keeping your gums healthy.
Professional dental care
- Regular checkups. See a dentist regularly for checkups.
- Scaling and root planing. Ask your dentist about professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
- Surgical interventions. In severe cases, a periodontist may recommend gingivectomy, flap surgery, or even tooth extraction.
Home oral hygiene
- Brushing. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing. Floss every day using a gentle technique. Curve the floss around each tooth and slide it under the gumline to remove debris.
- Mouthwash. Add an antiseptic mouthwash that targets plaque and gingivitis to your daily routine.
- Water flossing. Some studies show that water flossing is more effective than string floss. In fact, one study showed that water flossing is 129% as effective as string floss at removing plaque.
Lifestyle changes
- Quit smoking. Kicking the smoking habit goes a long way toward improving your oral health.
- Balanced diet. Be sure to eat a balanced diet rich in Vitamin C and calcium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are signs of unhealthy gums?
Key signs of unhealthy gums include redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush or floss. You might also notice persistent bad breath, receding gums (where your teeth appear longer), and loose teeth. Tenderness or pain along the gumline is another common indicator that something isn’t right.
What do damaged gums look like?
Damaged gums can appear inflamed and irritated, often with a bright red or purplish hue. You might see visible sores, ulcers, or lesions. In severe cases, the gum tissue may start to pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and making your teeth more sensitive.
What do sick gums look like?
Sick gums, typically affected by gingivitis or periodontitis, often present as swollen, puffy, and discolored. They might bleed easily, even with gentle brushing. Pus or discharge between the teeth and gums is a sign of advanced infection. Over time, sick gums can lead to tooth loss.
What do cancerous gums look like?
Cancerous gums can be tricky to identify without a professional exam. They might appear as a persistent sore or lump that doesn’t heal. Other signs include a white or red patch, unusual bleeding, numbness, or pain in the gums. Any suspicious changes in your gums should be checked by a dentist or doctor as soon as possible.
Putting It All Together
It’s important to know what unhealthy gums look like and to act quickly if you spot signs of gum disease. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of avoiding irreversible damage.
To keep your gums healthy, brush and floss every day. See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. And make sure you’re eating a balanced diet.
Remember, healthy gums are about more than just your mouth. Research shows a link between gum disease and some serious health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. So taking care of your gums is an investment in your overall health and well-being.