Healthy gums should be pink, firm and keep your teeth securely in place. Your gums should not bleed when you touch or brush them.
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is not always painful and you may be unaware you have it. This is why it is important to have regular dental check-ups.
The initial symptoms of gum disease are:
- red and swollen gums
- bleeding gums after brushing or flossing your teeth
If gum disease develops into periodontitis (where the tissues that support teeth are affected), you may also have the following symptoms:
- a bad taste in your mouth
- loose teeth that can make eating difficult
- gum abscesses (collections of pus that develop under your gums or teeth)
Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis
Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a rare condition. The symptoms are usually more severe than those of gum disease and periodontitis.
The symptoms of ANUG can develop quickly and include:
- bleeding, painful gums
- painful ulcers
- receding gums in between your teeth
- bad breath (halitosis)
- a metallic taste in your mouth
- excess saliva in your mouth
- difficulty swallowing or talking
You may also feel generally unwell and have a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or more.
You should visit your dentist immediately if you have any of the above symptoms.
