When we think about looking after our mouths, most of us think about our teeth. Your gums matter just as much, though, because they hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is very common, and it often starts so quietly that many people don't realise they have it.
The early stage, called gingivitis, usually shows up as gums that look red or puffy and bleed when you brush. Caught early, it can be reversed with a good daily routine. Left alone, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth and can eventually cause teeth to loosen.
The good news is that a handful of simple habits go a long way. Here are the five our team at Larcholme recommends most.
1. Brush twice a day, angled towards the gum line
Brush for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Rather than scrubbing straight across your teeth, tilt the bristles gently towards the point where your teeth meet your gums. That's where plaque collects and starts to irritate the gum. If you use a manual brush, small circular movements work well; an electric toothbrush can make it easier to clean thoroughly. Either way, a soft or medium brush and a light touch are better than pressing hard, which can wear your gums away over time.
2. Clean between your teeth every day
Your toothbrush can't reach the gaps between your teeth, and that's often where gum problems begin. Clean between them once a day using interdental brushes or floss. Interdental brushes come in different sizes, so ask our hygienist to show you which size fits each gap. A little bleeding when you first start is common and usually settles within a week or two as your gums get healthier. If it doesn't, book an appointment.
3. Spit, don't rinse
After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but don't rinse your mouth with water. Leaving a thin layer of fluoride on your teeth means it keeps protecting them for longer. For the same reason, if you use mouthwash, use it at a different time of day rather than straight after brushing.
4. Cut down on sugar and avoid smoking
Keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes rather than grazing throughout the day, which gives the bacteria in plaque less to feed on. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease. It also reduces blood flow to the gums, which can hide bleeding, one of the main warning signs. If you smoke, stopping is one of the best things you can do for your gums and your general health, and we're happy to point you towards support.
5. Keep up your hygiene appointments
Even with an excellent routine at home, plaque can harden into tartar, which you can't remove by brushing. Regular appointments with a dental hygienist remove that build-up, including just below the gum line, and give us the chance to spot early signs of gum disease before they become a problem. At Larcholme, you can book directly with our hygienist, Stacy, without needing to see a dentist first.
Signs of gum disease to look out for
Gum disease isn't always painful, so it's worth knowing what to watch for. Book an appointment with your dentist or hygienist if you notice:
- gums that bleed when you brush, floss or bite into hard foods like apples
- gums that look red, swollen or feel sore
- bad breath or a bad taste that doesn't go away
- gums that seem to be shrinking back from your teeth
Call us for an urgent appointment if your gums are very sore and swollen, a tooth feels loose, or you notice ulcers, red patches or a lump in your mouth or on your lip. If you're not a Larcholme patient and we're closed, call NHS 111 for advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for gums to bleed when I brush?
No. Bleeding is usually an early sign of gum inflammation. It often improves with better brushing and cleaning between your teeth, but if it lasts more than a couple of weeks, see your dentist or hygienist.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can usually be reversed with good daily cleaning and professional hygiene care. More advanced gum disease can be managed and stopped from getting worse, but the damage to bone can't be undone, which is why catching it early matters.
How often should I see a hygienist?
It depends on your gum health. Some people need a visit every three months, while others only need one or two a year. We'll recommend what's right for you.
Book a hygiene appointment in Wolverhampton
If your gums bleed, feel tender or it's been a while since your last clean, book a hygiene appointment at Larcholme Dental Practice on Tettenhall Road. New and existing patients can see our hygienist directly, with no dentist referral needed. Hygiene appointments are £123.