Early Signs of Gum Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore

Healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy mouth, but many people miss the early warning signs of gum damage until more serious problems set in. Catching issues early gives you the best chance to repair or reverse shrinking gums, treat swollen gums effectively, and prevent gum inflammation before it becomes a bigger problem that is harder to treat.

Early Signs of Damaged Gums

Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are one of the earliest signs of gum damage. Even slight bleeding is not normal.

Redness, Swelling, Tenderness
Healthy gums should be pink, firm, and not painful. If gums become red, puffy, sore, or you notice they swell, that can indicate inflammation or gingivitis.

The NHS has further in-depth information about gum disease here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/

Gum Recession / Shrinking Gums
If your teeth start to look longer, roots become visible, or the gum line seems to be pulling back, those are signs of shrinking gums (gum recession).

Gum recession occurs in stages from Mild (stage 2, following gingivitis) to Severe (stage 4) which is classed as periodontal disease.

  • Stage 1: Gingivitis – red, swollen gums that may be more sensitive and/or bleed even with light brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is 100% reversible as long as it is caught and treated early enough.
  • Stage 2: Mild Recession – this is where gums begin to recede from the teeth due to the bacteria build up beneath. As pockets are formed around the teeth, plaque and bacteria builds, leading to the start of gum erosion. This is the stage where many people start to notice sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods which may not have been present prior.
  • Stage 3: Moderate Recession  – as gum erosion occurs, the soft tissues, ligaments and bone in the mouth start to wear away. The resulting gaps become full of pus and infection which causes bad breath, pain, increased swelling, bleeding and the beginning of tooth loss. Many people experience a persistent bad taste in the mouth.
  • Stage 4: Severe Recession – this is classed as periodontal disease and will present with loose or shifting teeth, changes in how your teeth bite together, severely bad breath and bone loss.

Can You Repair or Reverse Shrinking Gums?

Understanding what “shrinking gums” means
Gum recession (also called gingival recession) means gum tissue has pulled away from the teeth, exposing part of the tooth root. Once tissue is lost, it generally cannot grow back naturally.

What can be done
In very early stages (before much tissue loss), you may be able to stop or slow further shrinking by improving oral hygiene, eliminating causes (e.g. over‐brushing, smoking), treating any infection, and using appropriate dental products.

Treatment for Swollen Gums

If you do find your gums become swollen, red, tender or painful, there are various options to try and resolve the issues before they turn into something more serious.

Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Gentle but thorough brushing (twice a day), daily flossing or interdental cleaning, using a soft‐bristled brush, and avoiding overly harsh flossing or brushing. These reduce bacterial plaque, which is usually the root cause of swelling.

Professional Cleanings
Regular visits to a dentist or hygienist for plaque and tartar removal. If there is deep pocketing of bacteria under the gum line, more intensive cleaning such as scaling and root planing may be needed.

Anti-Inflammatory Options
Sometimes dentists prescribe antimicrobial rinses, antibiotics, or medicated gels if infection is present. Over‐the‐counter anti‐inflammatory agents might also help under professional advice and warm saltwater rinses can also provide mild relief.

Addressing Any Underlying Causes
Stop smoking, adjust brushing technique, manage conditions like diabetes, reduce stress, correct misaligned teeth if needed. These can help reduce recurrence of swelling.

Preventing Gum Inflammation

To keep gums healthy and avoid inflammation, it’s wise to consider putting these preventative habits in place.

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle technique. Avoid aggressive brushing which can damage gums.
  • Brush twice daily. Floss or use interdental brushes daily.
  • Make sure you attend regular dental check-ups and undergo professional cleanings (every 6 months or as your dentist advises). Early detection helps reduce damage.
  • Avoid tobacco in all forms; tobacco increases risk of gum disease and delays healing of any injuries or inflammation. [1]
  • If you grind or clench your teeth at night, use a night guard or see a specialist. This can stress the gums, leading to further issues.
  • Eat a balanced diet with adequate amounts of vitamins (especially Vitamin C), hydration, reducing sugar intake. A healthy immune system supports gum tissue’s resilience.

Recommended daily allowances for key vitamins:

Between 75-90mg per day of Vitamin C – Essential for the formation of collagen in the gums, wound healing and helping to prevent gum disease.

Between 15 mcg – 20 mcg per day of Vitamin D – Helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus which has beneficial effects to reducing inflammation and helps keep the teeth and jawbone strong.

Between 700 mcg – 900 mcg per day of Vitamin A – Helps to maintain the mucus membranes, flow of saliva and wound healing.

Varying daily amounts of B Vitamins which all work towards keeping mouth tissues healthy, reducing the risk of developing mouth ulcers and boost red blood cell production:

    • B2 (Riboflavin): Men 1.3 mg / Women 1.1 mg
    • B3 (Niacin): Men 16 mg / Women 14 mg
    • B6 (Pyridoxine): Men 1.3–1.7 mg / Women 1.3–1.5 mg
    • Folate: Adults 400 mcg DFE
    • B12 (Cobalamin): 2.4 mcg

It is also very important to consume adequate amounts of essential minerals including calcium (the primary mineral for bone health), phosphorus and iron.

How Can Oraltide-Pro Mouthwash Help?
OraltidePro™ mouthwash has been designed to aid gum health by:

  • Reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth and gum pockets, which may contribute to swelling and inflammation
  • Refreshing breath, helping control plaque biofilm between brushing/flossing

When used in combination with proper oral hygiene and professional care, mouthwashes can be part of an ongoing treatment plan to help with both reducing swollen gums and then maintaining gum health.

OraltidePro™ is fluoride free, contains no bactericide, alcohol or potassium nitrate and is Qualified by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) – the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company.

Resources

[1] NLM: Tobacco Use and Periodontal Disease—The Role of Microvascular Dysfunction