Signs and symptoms
How healthy are your gums?
Read on to help you find out just how healthy your teeth and gums are.
A visit to your dentist is always recommended if you think you've identified any problems with your teeth or gums.
First it's important to identify what condition your teeth and gums are in. Take a look at the picture below of a healthy set of gums. If your gums don't look like this there could well be a problem.
Healthy gums
Typical appearance includes
- Healthy pink gums
- Teeth firmly attached to the gums, with a high gum margin
- No bleeding on flossing/brushing or eating
Early signs of gingivitis
Typical symptoms include
- Red gums, instead of a healthy pink colour
- Some bleeding when flossing, brushing teeth or biting into hard food
Gingivitis
Typical symptoms include
- Red gums
- Regular bleeding when you floss, brush your teeth or bite into hard foods
- Some white/yellow plaque deposits seen around gum margin
- Some tooth sensitivity where gum margin has started to recede
Severe gingivitis, or periodontitis
Typical symptoms include
- Red gums
- Very low gum line where gums have receded
- Teeth look very long where gum margin has receded
- Gums bleed of their own accord
These symptoms are significant and shouldn't be ignored. If you have any of the symptoms listed you should consult your dentist or hygienist.
If you do think you can identify with any of the symptoms, our Oral Health page can help you understand where you might be going wrong, and how you can help to fix it. Alternatively print off and read the attached leaflet for information and advice.
HOW YOU CAN HELP TO FIX IT
For further information and advice print off and read the attached leaflet
Caring for your Gums (691k)
