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7 Signs of Unhealthy Gums (and What to Do About Each One)

Gum disease affects most adults to some degree — but because it’s usually painless in the early stages, it often goes undetected until it’s more serious. Here are the warning signs to watch for, and what each one means.

1. Gums That Bleed When You Brush or Floss

This is the most common early sign of gingivitis. Healthy gums don’t bleed during normal brushing or flossing. Bleeding indicates inflammation — your immune system responding to bacteria at the gumline. It’s reversible at this stage — read more about how to stop bleeding gums and what actually works.

2. Red, Swollen, or Puffy Gums

Healthy gums are pink and firm. Red, swollen, or tender gums signal inflammation — again, usually from plaque and bacteria at the gumline. This often precedes bleeding and is a clear signal to step up your oral hygiene routine.

3. Persistent Bad Breath

Gum disease bacteria produce volatile sulphur compounds as a byproduct. If your breath smells bad despite good brushing habits, the bacteria in your gums — not your teeth — are often the source. This is especially true if the bad breath is persistent and doesn’t respond to mouthwash.

4. Gum Recession

If your teeth appear longer than they used to, or you can see the roots of your teeth near the gumline, your gums are receding. This can be caused by gum disease or by brushing too hard. Once gum tissue is lost, it doesn’t grow back naturally — the priority becomes stopping further recession.

5. Tooth Sensitivity

When gums recede, the root surfaces of teeth become exposed. Root surfaces aren’t protected by enamel and are sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. New or worsening tooth sensitivity — especially in multiple teeth — can be a sign of gum recession driven by gum disease.

6. Loose Teeth or Shifting Bite

In advanced periodontitis, the bone supporting the teeth breaks down. This causes teeth to loosen, shift, or create gaps that weren’t there before. If you notice your bite has changed or teeth feel loose, this requires urgent dental attention — bone loss at this stage is permanent.

7. Pus Between Teeth and Gums

Visible pus between the gum and tooth indicates an active infection — a periodontal abscess. This requires prompt dental treatment. Don’t delay.

What to Do

Signs 1–3 are typically reversible with improved home care: consistent brushing with a soft brush, daily flossing, and tongue scraping. Supporting your oral microbiome — reducing harmful bacteria and increasing beneficial ones — is also part of the equation. Oral probiotics like ProvaDent contain strains specifically studied for gum health. Here’s my full review of ProvaDent if you’d like a deeper breakdown.

Signs 4–7 require a dentist. Home care can slow progression but cannot reverse bone loss or treat active infection. If you’re seeing these signs, book an appointment soon.