How to support healthy gums

When we think about oral health, the focus tends to be on teeth. But gums play an important role too. Gums act as a protective cover for the bone that holds your teeth in place. Knowing the signs of early gum disease, like swelling or bleeding when brushing, can go a long way in supporting healthy gums. We spoke to Dr Ren Sun, Chief Dental Officer at Pacific Smiles Group about how to support healthy gums, what increases the risk of gum disease, and when it’s time to see your dentist.

Why gum health matters

Gums might not be getting the credit they deserve.

“Gums do a lot more work than people realise,” says Dr Sun.

“They form a tight seal around the base of each tooth, which anchors it in place and keeps bacteria and food particles away from the tooth root and the bone underneath. When that seal is healthy, it's firm, pink and fits snugly against the tooth.”

Dr Sun says problems can start when once the seal starts to break down.

“It opens the door for infection that can affect not just the gum tissue, but eventually the bone that holds the tooth in place.”

Gum disease

There are a range of diseases that affect the gums, and it is common, according to Dr Sun.

“Gum disease is one of the most common conditions we see. Most adults will experience some degree of gum inflammation at some point in their life, and it becomes more common as we get older, though it can affect people of any age.”

The two main types of gum disease are:
 

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis

Gingivitis

“Gingivitis is the early stage (of gum disease) – inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque along the gumline,” says Dr Sun.

It is a mild form of gum disease.

Is gingivitis reversible?

“It's common, and importantly, it's reversible with good oral hygiene and a professional clean. If it's left untreated, though, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis,” explains Dr Sun.

Signs of gingivitis

Dr Sun says the signs of gingivitis are often subtle, which is why it can go unnoticed. Symptoms may include:
 

• Gums that look red
• Swollen gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Usually little to no pain.

Gingivitis can also cause bad breath.

Periodontitis

“(Periodontitis is) a more advanced form of gum disease where the inflammation spreads below the gumline and starts to break down the ligaments and bone that support the teeth,” says Dr Sun.

Periodontitis affects around 1 in 4 adults.¹

Is periodontitis reversible?

“Unlike gingivitis, the damage from periodontitis isn't reversible, though it can be managed and stabilised with the right care," says Dr Sun.

Signs of periodontitis

The signs of periodontitis tend to show up more clearly, according to Dr Sun. Symptoms may include:
 

• Receding gums
• Teeth that feel loose or shift position
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way your teeth bite together
• In some cases, pus around the gumline.

“If you notice any of these changes, it’s worth getting it checked (by your dentist) rather than waiting,” recommends Dr Sun.

What increases the risk of gum disease?

"The biggest factor is plaque build-up from inconsistent brushing and flossing,” says Dr Sun.

He adds there are a number of things can increase the risk on top of that including:
 

• Smoking
• Some medical conditions, such as diabetes
• Hormonal changes, such as in pregnancy
• Certain medications that reduce saliva flow
• High stress levels
• A family history of gum disease
• Teeth that are harder to clean due to overcrowding or misalignment.

Is gum disease preventable for everyone?

Not entirely, explains Dr Sun.

“Some people are more genetically predisposed to gum disease, and certain medical conditions can make someone more susceptible even with good oral hygiene.

But for most people, the risk can be reduced significantly with consistent daily care and regular check-ups. Gingivitis in particular is highly preventable, and if it's caught early, it's also reversible."

Practical tips for dental care

The fundamentals of dental care go a long way, according to Dr Sun:
 

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth at least once a day, whether that's with floss, floss picks, interdental brushes or a water flosser
• Replace your toothbrush every three months
• Avoid smoking
• Have regular dental check-ups and cleans
   

READ MORE: How to floss your teeth

When should you see the dentist for gum health

"As a general rule, every six to twelve months for a check-up, even if nothing feels wrong – a lot of early gum disease has no pain at all,” says Dr Sun.

Beyond that, Dr Sun recommends seeing your dentist sooner if:
 

• Your gums bleed regularly when you brush or floss
• Your gums look red, swollen or sore
• You notice your gums receding
• A tooth feels loose
• You have persistent bad breath.
  

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

“Gingivitis can often be resolved with a professional clean and improved daily hygiene at home, sometimes within a couple of weeks.

Periodontitis usually needs a deeper clean, called scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar that has built up below the gumline, and more advanced cases may need ongoing management or a referral to a periodontist,” says Dr Sun.