What do healthy gums look like?

We're taught to look after our teeth from a young age. Good oral hygiene involves brushing our teeth, not eating too many sweets and visiting the dentist regularly.

Rarely do we receive guidance on taking care of our gums to keep them healthy. It's important to know what healthy gums look like, and how to care for them as well as your teeth. So, we're here to tell you what to look for.

Gum tissues surround the teeth and form a protective barrier against bacteria and infection. Well looked after gums are essential for preventing gum disease, and failure to take care of them can impact our overall health too.

What colour are healthy gums?

Here are five signs of healthy gums, so you know you're in the pink when it comes to caring for them!

1. They should have a light pink colour, and don't look inflamed or red 
2. They don't hurt, bother you, or appear swollen
3. They don't bleed when you brush the gum line 
4. They fit tightly around the teeth, with no signs of receding gums 
5. They don't appear to be receding, sore or blistered

Food that promotes healthy teeth and gums

Maintaining healthy gums should be a priority for you, but also a natural part of your daily healthy habits. From trying to stick to drinking water, minimising sugary drinks and rich foods. In addition, you can and should be looking after your gums with a varied food selection. Foods strong in folic acid and iron, such as leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish, citrus fruits and whole grains.

Characteristics of gum problems

In the following sections, we explain the most common symptoms, causes, and treatments in more detail. When you finish reading this section, you'll know how to identify healthy gums vs gingivitis. Detecting these signs of unhealthy gums early is key to avoiding complications!

1. Swollen gums: most common causes

When gums become inflamed, it's a sign that something isn't right. This inflammation is usually related to a buildup of plaque, but it can also have other causes. Those signs could develop into various forms of gum disease, so it's important to know what to look for:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Gingivitis or periodontitis
• Hormonal changes ( gum problems during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause)
• Stress or a low-functioning immune system
• Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
• Use of orthodontics or prosthetic teeth, mouth ornaments or jewels

2. Gum pain

Gum pain is a more common discomfort than it seems and can affect people of any age. It often worsens when eating, brushing teeth, or even speaking, making it a constant daily discomfort. 

How to relieve gum pain

Fortunately, there are ways to relieve gum pain, both with home remedies and specific treatments. Here are some of the most effective:

• Anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol)
• Mouthwashes with chlorhexidine or salt water
• Analgesic gel for gums
• Apply a local cold to the area
• Avoid hard or very hot foods
• Go to the dentist if the pain persists for more than 2-3 days.

3. Bleeding gums: why it happens and what to do

Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of inflammation. They can occur when brushing or spontaneously, and are most often due to:

• Buildup of plaque or tartar
• Aggressive brushing or incorrect flossing
• Gingivitis
• Vitamin deficiency (especially C and K)
• Hormonal changes

Dental care for bleeding gums

• Improve your daily oral hygiene, with brushing and flossing
• Use a soft bristle brush and a fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth
• Floss carefully​
• Consult your dentist for a professional cleaning

When to worry about your gums

The pain may be temporary, but if it's accompanied by swelling, bleeding, or persistent bad breath, it could be a sign of a more serious problem such as an infection or periodontal disease. Don't ignore it if:

• If pain in your gums lasts more than a few days
• You don't think you have a healthy gum colour
• Constant bad taste in your mouth
• There is gum recession
• Your teeth feel looser

Healthy gums at Impress

If you'd like to straighten your teeth to enhance the health and aesthetics of your smile, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with us. You can contact us by making an appointment through our website, by phone at 02038081072, or via WhatsApp. Find out about our prices and orthodontic treatments and start your smile journey today.