What do healthy gums look like?

Characteristics of Healthy Gums

1. Colour:
   • Pink Hue: Healthy gums are typically coral or light pink. Variations in natural pigmentation can occur due to ethnic differences, but gums should not appear red or white.
   • Uniformity: The colour should be uniform without dark patches or bright red areas.
2. Texture:
   • Firmness: Healthy gums should feel firm, not soft or spongy. They should hold their shape and not show signs of swelling.
   • Stippling: When observed closely, healthy gums often exhibit a textured, stippled appearance, similar to the surface of an orange peel. This indicates good gum health.
3. Contour:
   • Knife-Edge Margins: The edges of healthy gums around the teeth should be thin and not inflamed
   • Well-defined interdental Papillae: The gum tissue between the teeth should fill the spaces between the teeth without swelling or recession.
4. Lack of Bleeding:
   • No Bleeding on Probing: Healthy gums do not bleed during brushing, flossing, or professional dental probing. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation or infection.

Maintaining Healthy Gums

1. Oral Hygiene Practices:
   • Regular Brushing: Brushing after each meal helps remove plaque, the cause of gum disease.
   • Proper Technique: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing technique to avoid damaging the gum.
   • Flossing: Daily flossing and interdental brushing eliminate plaque and food particles between teeth and areas a toothbrush can’t reach under the gumline.
2. Professional Care:
   • Regular Dental Check-ups: Visiting dental professionals twice yearly for oral assessment and cleanings can reveal early signs of gum disease.
   • Professional Cleaning: Dental professionals use special instruments to eliminate hardened plaque and debris that can not be otherwise removed during brushing and flossing.
3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
   • Diet: A natural nutrient diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, promotes healthy gums.
   • Avoid Tobacco: Smoking or using tobacco products increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.

Signs of Gum Disease

Recognizing the early signs of gum disease can prevent more serious oral health issues. Gum disease ranges from mild (gingivitis) to severe (periodontitis).

1. Gingivitis:
   • Red, Swollen Gums: Gums may appear red and swollen and bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
   • Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath can indicate bacterial growth under the gums.
2. Periodontitis:
   • Receding Gums: Gums start to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive.
   • Loose Teeth: The gradual destruction of the bone supporting the teeth due to disease progression leading to loss or loss of teeth.
   • Pus Formation: The pus between the gum margins is a sign of an infection that requires immediate attention.

In summary,

• Healthy gums are pink and firm around the teeth without signs of bleeding, swelling, or recession.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, is essential in keeping gums healthy.
• Detecting the early signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding, can help seek timely professional care to prevent further complications.
• Understanding and following these guidelines ensures our gums remain healthy and preserve their oral health.