Do you spit pink when you brush?

Have your teeth started to look a little longer than they used to?

Does a stubborn bad taste keep coming back, no matter how often you brush?

Most people who notice these things do the sensible-sounding thing: switch to a softer toothbrush, brush a bit more gently, and hope it settles.

Sometimes it does. But very often, the toothbrush isn’t the problem at all.

Why bleeding gums are easy to dismiss

Healthy gums don’t usually bleed from normal brushing and flossing.

When they do, the most common cause is inflammation from plaque building up along and below the gumline. That’s the earliest stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. Left alone, it can progress to periodontitis, where the tissue and bone holding your teeth in place start to break down.

You may not have toothache even when gum disease is present.

And it’s common. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that around 3 in 10 Australian adults have moderate or severe periodontitis, rising to nearly 6 in 10 among people aged 65 and over.

The 9 signs to look out for

Run through this list honestly. Any one of these is worth getting checked.

✅ 1. Gums that bleed when you brush or floss Even a little pink in the sink counts, especially if it happens regularly.

✅ 2. Red, swollen or tender gums Healthy gums are usually firm and pale pink (or naturally pigmented, depending on your skin tone), not puffy or dark red.

✅ 3. Gums that are pulling back (receding) Your teeth may look longer, or you may notice the edge of a filling or crown, or a darker root surface, that you couldn’t see before.

✅ 4. Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away Bacteria collecting in gum pockets can cause persistent odour or taste.

✅ 5. New sensitivity to hot or cold When gums recede, the root surface is exposed, and roots can be more sensitive than the rest of the tooth.

✅ 6. New gaps or “black triangles” between teeth Gum and bone loss can open up spaces that weren’t there before.

✅ 7. Teeth that feel loose or are moving Teeth that shift, fan out, or feel wobbly can indicate bone loss around them.

✅ 8. A change in your bite If your teeth don’t seem to fit together the way they used to, or a partial denture no longer fits, it’s worth investigating.

✅ 9. Pus between your teeth and gums This is a sign of infection and should be checked promptly.

The sign that hides itself: smoking

If you smoke, there’s something important to know. Smoking can reduce gum bleeding, even when gum disease is present. That means smokers can have significant gum disease with fewer of the usual warning signs.

Smoking is also one of the strongest risk factors for gum disease and can affect how well gums heal after treatment. If you smoke, regular gum checks matter even more.

Are you at higher risk?

Some people are more likely to develop gum disease. Your risk may be higher if you:

• Smoke or vape

• Have diabetes, particularly if it’s not well controlled

• Have a family history of gum disease or early tooth loss

• Are pregnant, as hormonal changes can make gums more prone to inflammation

• Are over 50, as gum disease becomes more common with age

• Have a dry mouth, which can be caused by some medications

• Are under a lot of stress

• Have crowded teeth or old dental work that’s hard to clean around

• Haven’t had a dental check-up in a while

“Isn’t this a job for my regular dentist?”

Often, yes. General dentists diagnose and treat gum disease every day, and for many people that’s the right place to start.

A periodontist is a dentist who has completed additional university training and is registered as a specialist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and the supporting structures of the teeth, including the placement of dental implants.

It can be worth seeing a periodontist if:

• Your gum disease is moderate to advanced, with deep pockets or bone loss

• Gum disease has come back or hasn’t improved after treatment

• Your gums are receding and you’re considering grafting

• You have loose teeth or are worried about losing teeth

• You have diabetes or another condition that complicates gum health

• You have a strong family history of gum disease

• You’re considering dental implants and have a history of gum problems

• Your dentist has recommended a referral

Do you need a referral? Many periodontal practices in Australia see patients with or without a referral. If your dentist has referred you, bring the letter along. If you’re unsure, just ask when you contact Prime Perio.

What the check actually involves

If the idea of a gum assessment sounds intimidating, it’s much simpler than you might think.

We’ll ask about your health and what you’ve noticed, then gently measure the spaces between your gums and teeth at several points around each tooth. We may take X-rays to see the bone levels. Then we’ll show you what we found and explain it in plain language.

For a full walkthrough, read: Your first visit with us: what happens and who you’ll see.

Why earlier is better

Gum disease caught at the gingivitis stage can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and better home care.

Once it progresses to periodontitis, lost bone generally doesn’t grow back on its own. Treatment then focuses on stopping further damage and protecting the teeth you have. And the further it goes, the more involved (and costly) treatment tends to become. (See: How much does gum disease treatment cost, and what happens if you wait?)

That’s not meant to alarm you. It’s the reason not to wait and see.

Ticked a box? Here’s what to do next

Step 1 – Book a gum health assessment. Get in touch with Prime Perio to arrange a time.

Step 2 – We check and explain. Pocket measurements, X-rays if needed, and a plain-English explanation of what’s going on.

Step 3 – You get a clear plan. If treatment is needed, you’ll get it in writing with costs. If your gums are healthy, you’ll leave with peace of mind.

Clinical source: NHS — Gum disease

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This article is general information and is not a substitute for a personal examination. If you have swelling, fever, or severe pain, contact a dental practitioner promptly. Prevalence figures: AIHW, National Oral Health Plan 2015–2024 performance monitoring report (NSAOH 2017–18 data).