Last Updated December 2021
Overlooking a little blood in the sink after brushing or flossing might not seem like an issue at first, but there’s good reason to keep track of these signals – which are early signs of a very treatable, reversible form of gum disease. Left untreated, this mild stage of gum disease can progress to an advanced stage, which permanently damages the bones and tissue that hold teeth in place. Pay attention to these five most visible signals your body is sending you and keep your mouth healthy.
#1 You're Seeing Red
Red is the warning-sign colour for danger. So it makes sense that if you start peeking in the mirror and are seeing gums that are a shade of red, this could signal gums that are in trouble. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. Bacteria can cause inflamed gums, which is known as gingivitis, the early, mild stage of gum disease, or periodontitis, the later, more serious stage of the disease.
#2 Your Gums Are Puffy
In the early stage of gum disease, gums can also swell as they become inflamed.
#3 You See Blood in the Sink
Seeing blood in the sink when you spit into it after brushing and/or flossing is another symptom. Gums that bleed easily signal early-stage gum disease.
#4 You’ve Got Bad Breath
Bad breath, or having an exceedingly bad taste in your mouth, can also signal early gum disease. Plaque build-up on the teeth, gums and tongue is usually the culprit of bad breath.
Other changes in your mouth spurred by gum disease could also include tender-to-the-touch gums, odd new spaces forming between your teeth, loose teeth and/or a change in your bite or the way your teeth fit together when you bite. These are signs you should not ignore. If you take control of your gum situation, there's still a chance for you to avoid advanced gum disease.
NOT-SO-INNOCENT HABITS THAT HARM YOUR MOUTH
You’re a Wine Lover
Red wine can stain teeth, but did you know that both red and white wine can actually damage your gums because they are high in acidity?
You’re a Nail Biter
Whether it’s incessant foot-tapping or hand-wringing, many of us have stress-induced habits. If yours is a nail-biting habit, know that each time you bring your hand to your mouth and start chewing, you’re inviting all sorts of germs and grime lodged under nails to your mouth.
You Don’t Have Time
Being too busy or too tired doesn’t mean your oral care should be ignored. We’ve all had lapses in our oral-care routine, but the reality is that taking a laid-back approach to brushing, sporadic flossing and rinsing results in visible plaque on teeth.
You’re a Toothpick Regular
These tiny sticks, when used the correct way, can clean areas between your teeth. But toothpicks are often used in a way that is not beneficial and damages gum tissue.