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Gum disease rarely hurts until it's advanced, which is exactly why it catches people off guard. By the time a tooth feels loose, the damage is severe. The good news: caught early, it's simple to treat and reversible.
The warning signs most people ignore
- Bleeding when you brush or floss — healthy gums don't bleed, not even a little pink in the sink.
- Gums that look puffy, shiny or darker red than the pink of an orange.
- Bad breath that returns soon after brushing, or a constant bad taste.
- Gums pulling away from the teeth, making them look longer.
- A feeling that a tooth has shifted, or floss suddenly slipping into a gap it didn't before.
Why it matters beyond your mouth
Chronic gum inflammation is linked to diabetes control, heart health and pregnancy outcomes. Treating your gums isn't just about saving teeth — it takes a load off your whole immune system.
Bleeding gums are not a reason to stop flossing. They're the reason to keep going — gently, daily, for about two weeks.
What to do this week
- 01Switch to a soft brush and gentle circles along the gum line — scrubbing hard makes things worse.
- 02Floss once a day; a little bleeding at first is normal and fades within two weeks.
- 03Book a hygiene visit if bleeding persists past two weeks, or if any tooth feels loose.
If you've noticed any of these signs, don't wait for your next routine visit. Book a hygiene appointment and we'll get your gums back to quiet and healthy.
