Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile: Top Tips From Sydney’s Leading Periodontists

• 14 September 2023
• Professor Alessandro Quaranta

Last updated on October 17, 2023

When it comes to oral health, the focus is often on sparkling, white teeth. However, gums play just as important a role in good dental health.

Our gums, the soft tissue lining our mouths, act as a barrier that securely holds our teeth in place and protects them from harmful bacteria. So how do you keep your gums healthy for a vibrant, sparkling smile? Smile Specialists Suite in Sydney answers all your questions!

Why is maintaining healthy gums so vital?

Our gums act as a natural barrier to bacteria and a major support structure for our teeth. If our gums are compromised, then it can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, periodontal conditions, and other issues with our overall health.

You can see why keeping healthy gums and practising good oral hygiene are so important!

What do healthy gums look like?

Healthy gums are a pale pink colour and sit tight around your teeth. They should feel firm, not bleed when you brush or floss, and shouldn’t be pulling or receding away from your teeth.

The warning signs of unhealthy gums were revealed.

There are many warning signs that you have unhealthy gums and poor oral health.

Early gum disease symptoms include:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Bleeding gums when you floss or brush
• Tender, swollen and red gums

In severe gum disease, you may experience loose teeth as the diseased gum tissue pulls away (recedes) from your teeth..

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease, is an infection in your gum tissue, usually caused by the buildup of plaque and food particles.

Early gum disease starts as gingivitis and can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form that can lead to the loss of permanent teeth. Your gums will be very painful and swollen, and you may have pus around your teeth.

There are many potential causes of gum disease, but poor oral hygiene is the main one. Other risk factors are:

• Poor nutrition.
• Medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
• Family history of periodontitis
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Certain medications, such as antacids, antidepressants, or pain relievers,

How to treat gum disease.

Early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, can be managed with good oral hygiene and deep dental cleanings.

You may need further periodontal treatment, including deep cleaning, medications, or even surgery to treat severe gum disease.

How to keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease

Here are our top tips to achieve good oral health, maintain healthy gums, and prevent gum disease.

• Regularly brush (at least twice per day), making sure you brush each tooth and around the gum line.
• Periodontists also recommend using fluoride toothpaste for a healthy mouth.
• Flossing to remove any food or plaque buildup that your toothbrush didn’t reach
• Use a therapeutic mouthwash to reduce gingivitis, bacterial plaque, and tartar buildup.
• Book dental checkups at least twice per year for deep cleanings and to check on your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco-containing products.
• Drink plenty of water, especially after eating.
• Avoid soft drinks and sugary foods.

Healthy gums for bright smiles!

Proactive gum health isn’t just about maintaining a bright smile; it’s about promoting overall wellness. By investing in your gum health, you ensure a lifetime of dazzling smiles and avoid gum disease. With these top tips from Sydney’s expert periodontists, you can keep your gums healthy and free of gum disease!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most commonly asked questions about maintaining healthy gums and gum disease.

How do you know if your gums are healthy?

Healthy gums are pink, firm, tightly surround your teeth, and do not bleed when brushing or flossing. You will have no pain or discomfort, redness, or swelling in your gum line, and you will have healthy teeth.

What should normal gums look like?

Normal gums are pale pink, tight around the teeth, and have an orange-peel-like texture.

What do unhealthy gums look like?

Gums that are unhealthy may be swollen, red, tender, and painful, and they may bleed when you brush or floss. If you have severe gum disease or a gum infection, pus may also be present.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by the buildup of food particles, bacteria, and plaque, leading to inflammation, pain, swelling, and potential tooth loss.

What causes gum disease?

Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease, but it can also result from smoking, hormonal changes, genetics, illness, or specific medications.

What home remedies can I use to improve gum health?

The best home remedies to restore healthy gums or reverse gum disease are:

• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Regular brushing and flossing
• Focusing on your nutritional health (a well-balanced, healthy diet),
• Stay hydrated.
• Saltwater rinse.