Your gums do much more than hold your teeth in place—they’re a big part of your oral health. Gum disease (periodontal disease) often develops slowly and without pain, so it’s easy to miss the early signs.
A little awareness about proper dental care and a few simple habits can help keep your smile healthy for life.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar buildup. It typically begins as gingivitis—a mild inflammation of the gums—and can progress to periodontitis, a more severe infection.
What Are the Signs of Periodontal Disease?
Healthy gums are firm, pink, and snug around the teeth. Changes in colour, texture, or sensitivity may indicate that your gums are trying to tell you something. Here are a few signs to watch for:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Swollen or red gums that don’t return to their normal colour
- Receding gums, making teeth look longer than usual
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing
- Sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Loose teeth or a change in how they fit together when biting
Gum disease can start as a mild irritation, but can progress to affect the bone supporting your teeth. The sooner it’s addressed, the easier it is to manage.
How to Protect Your Oral Health & Prevent Gum Disease
The best way to avoid gum problems is to take care of them the same way you take care of your teeth. Adopting some simple habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease or prevent it from getting worse.
Maintain Daily Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are essential for removing plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your teeth and gums at least twice a day. When flossing, take your time to clean between teeth and slightly under the gum line where bacteria like to hide. Adding an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce plaque and prevent gum inflammation.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Even with diligent at-home care, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed using specific tools. Regular cleanings and checkups allow your dental team to monitor your gum health, identify early signs of periodontal disease, and provide professional cleanings to remove tartar buildup.
Most dentists recommend visits every 6 months, but if you have a history of gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
What you eat plays a crucial role in your oral health. Foods rich in vitamins A and C—like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and carrots—help support gum tissue, while calcium-rich foods like dairy products and leafy greens strengthen teeth.
Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, while limiting sugary snacks and acidic beverages can prevent plaque buildup and enamel erosion.
Avoid Tobacco Use
Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and reducing your body’s ability to fight infections. Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, also impairs blood flow to the gums, slowing the healing process and making it harder for your body to repair damage.
Quitting smoking not only helps improve your gum health but can also reduce your risk of tooth loss, oral cancer, and other serious health conditions.
Be Mindful of Changes in Your Oral Health
Your gums can be an early warning system for your overall health. If you notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth, don’t ignore it—those could be early signs of periodontal disease.
How Gum Health Affects Well-Being
Gum disease can affect your entire body. Studies have linked periodontal disease to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Inflammation and bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially contributing to other health concerns.Taking care of your gums isn’t just about keeping your smile—it’s an important step toward protecting your whole-body health. Regularly checking your mouth for changes and making an appointment to discuss any concerns with your dentist can help catch problems early before they become more serious.
