Healthy gums are the foundation for your teeth, providing the support needed for your teeth to function as they should. Healthy gums are light pink in colour, or darker for people with darker complexions. Healthy gums are dotted, much like the surface of an orange, are not swollen or tender and don’t bleed when brushing or flossing.

A person with gum disease might notice:

• Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
• Gums that bleed when teeth are brushed or flossed
• Gums that have receded, or pulled away from the teeth
• Infection or pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose permanent teeth or drifting teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when chewing
• Persistent bad breath