What Do Normal Gums Look Like?
Healthy gums are usually firm, fitted closely around teeth, and free from bleeding. Learn what changes in color, shape, or bleeding may mean.
The short answer
Healthy gums are generally firm, fit closely around the teeth, and do not bleed with gentle brushing or flossing, although natural colour varies between people. Gingiva covers the jawbone around the teeth and forms a seal at the gum margin. Healthy tissue is usually coral pink or naturally darker, with a firm surface and a gently scalloped edge.
How do the gums protect and seal around your teeth?
Gingiva covers the jawbone around the teeth and forms a seal at the gum margin. Healthy tissue is usually coral pink or naturally darker, with a firm surface and a gently scalloped edge.
How can daily cleaning help maintain healthy-looking gums?
Brush along the gumline with a soft brush and clean between teeth every day. Do not stop cleaning because mild bleeding can occur when inflamed gums are first cleaned, but persistent bleeding needs assessment.
Which changes in your gums should prompt a dental visit?
See a dentist for spontaneous bleeding, persistent swelling, tenderness, recession, loose teeth, pus, or a change that does not settle. Periodontal probing and radiographs may assess gum attachment and supporting bone.
Is naturally dark gum colour always a sign of a problem?
Is dark gum colour always a problem? Why do gums bleed when I floss?
Frequently asked questions
Is dark gum colour always a problem?
Gingiva covers the jawbone around the teeth and forms a seal at the gum margin. Healthy tissue is usually coral pink or naturally darker, with a firm surface and a gently scalloped edge.
Why do gums bleed when I floss?
Brush along the gumline with a soft brush and clean between teeth every day. Do not stop cleaning because mild bleeding can occur when inflamed gums are first cleaned, but persistent bleeding needs assessment.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.