Just as a home relies on a strong foundation, teeth depend on healthy gums for support and stability. While many people prioritize routine visits to the orthodontist, gum health is equally important, making a visit to a periodontist a valuable step in maintaining overall oral health.
Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, says periodontal disease, commonly referred to as “gum disease,” is one of the most overlooked preventable diseases that can occur.
“Individuals often overlook signs of the earliest form of periodontal disease — gingivitis.” Geisinger said. “Left untreated, gingivitis can often progress to periodontitis, a disease impacting the supporting structures of the teeth that ultimately can lead to tooth loss.”
Geisinger recommends paying attention to several indicators of gum health to help prevent oral health problems.
My gums are irritated and inflamed. Why?
Gum irritation can come from a variety of factors. Gingival tissue can be scratched or irritated by food, incorrect brushing or flossing technique, acid exposure, or burns.
“Most superficial injuries will heal within a few days to two weeks,” Geisinger said. “If discomfort, redness or bleeding persist for longer than that, seeking care with a dental healthcare professional is critical to determine the underlying cause.”
Swelling, sensitivity, and changes in shape or texture can all point to underlying conditions when these factors appear for an extended period.
“Gingival swelling often results in rounded gingival margins and a more edematous, or squishy, texture to the gum tissues, as these can all be signs of gingivitis or periodontitis,” Geisinger said.
Why are my gums bleeding?
Bleeding during delivery of oral home care, like brushing and flossing, is a common indicator of deteriorating gum health.
Geisinger says gums should not bleed when touched or manipulated, even with firm pressure.
“Think about a firm handshake,” Geisinger said. “It may be uncomfortable, but it should not make your hands bleed.”
Spontaneous bleeding or persistent bleeding when touched is a sign that gum tissue should be evaluated by a dental professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Bleeding gums during oral hygiene or dental visits can range from a need for improved oral home care habits to more serious conditions that require diagnosis and treatment by a periodontist.
Why do I have bad breath?
Geisinger says halitosis, or bad breath, can be a sign of gum disease or other serious oral or systemic conditions and should be mentioned to an oral health provider.
“Ongoing bad breath is associated with gum disease, alongside untreated tooth decay, dry mouth [xerostomia], tonsil stones and other oral conditions,” Geisinger said. “It may also be associated with systemic conditions like gastro-esophageal reflux, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or other concerns.”
What does the color of my gums say about health?
Notable changes in gingival tissue color can be a sign of a serious gum health issue. While a dental visit or procedure can notably result in a temporary change in color, drastic color change that is recognizable to the naked eye should be cause for concern.
“Changes in color, specifically red or white colorations of the gum tissues, can be signs of disease and should be evaluated by a dental healthcare professional,” Geisinger said. “There are also reasons that dark spots might appear after dental care, including impregnation of metal into the gingival tissues, which can cause a black or blue coloration, often resembling a tattoo.”
Similar to how skin on the body can contain hyperpigmentation and freckles, dark spots on the gingival tissue can be normal. For people of color or those with more melanin in the
skin, melanin in the gingival tissue is expected. However, melanin levels can decrease noticeability with subtle shifts in color, and this serves as another reason that Geisinger encourages everyone to proactively schedule comprehensive oral exams, including gingival measurements and assessments.
“The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that all adults receive a comprehensive periodontal examination, including a full-mouth periodontal charting, each year,” Geisinger said. “This type of examination allows your dentist to track changes in gum health over time and intervention at the earliest possible time point.”
Geisinger says that, because gum disease often does not cause significant pain until it is very severe, a pinkish color in the sink while performing oral hygiene, indicating blood in saliva, is one of the most important warning signs.
Does a sweet tooth hurt the gums?
Increased consumption of sweets and candy is often associated with cavities and poor oral health. As the holiday season approaches, many parents may have questions about the effects of sugar on dental health.
Research shows that highly acidic candies, as well as sticky or gummy varieties, can negatively affect oral health by increasing the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion. However, enjoying sweet treats in moderation is unlikely to pose an immediate threat to gum health.
“We know that elevated blood sugar levels over long periods increase the risk of developing periodontitis and may increase periodontal disease severity in patients with established disease,” Geisinger said. “However, current literature does not suggest that a single exposure of candy can negatively impact gum health.”
Geisinger recommends that parents encourage good oral hygiene practices to ensure optimal oral health.
“For Halloween, it may be best to avoid snacking on candy throughout the day; though enjoying sweet treats in moderation should be fine for this time of year without the immediate fear of gingival decay.”