Gums Pulling Away From Teeth

Daily plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar, and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease. Plaque also irritates gums when it builds up on teeth and between them.

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean plaque from between your teeth regularly. Floss, an interdental brush, a wooden or plastic pick, or a recommended water flosser can be used for between-tooth cleaning.

The examination includes checking the gums for inflammation and measuring pockets around each tooth with a probe. Medical history questions can identify factors such as smoking or diabetes, and X-rays can show gum-disease bone loss.

Tartar cannot be removed by home cleaning, so professional cleaning is used to remove it. Gum-disease treatment aims to control infection, while daily care at home remains part of treatment.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, regular between-tooth cleaning, routine check-ups and professional cleaning, and stopping smoking help keep gums and teeth healthy.

Bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, gum bleeding with brushing or hard foods, and swollen red sore gums can appear with gum disease. In more severe cases, teeth can become loose or fall out.

Gum disease can spread to the bone around the gums, make chewing painful, and leave teeth loose or needing removal. Very sore swollen gums, loose teeth, mouth ulcers or red patches, or a mouth or lip lump are urgent signs.