09/29/2026
September is National Gum Care Month! When we think about a healthy smile, our teeth often get all the attention, but teeth can’t be healthy without healthy gums.
Your gums and the bone underneath them help surround, protect, and support your teeth. When plaque builds up along and below the gumline, it can cause inflammation and lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Gingivitis can cause gums to become red, swollen, tender, or bleed easily. If gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth and eventually contribute to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Gum disease is largely preventable, and gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional care.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or another interdental cleaner to remove plaque your toothbrush can't reach.
- Visit your dental provider regularly for exams and professional cleanings. Hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus, cannot be removed with regular brushing alone.
- Avoid to***co products. Smoking significantly increases the risk of gum disease and can make it harder for gum tissue to heal.
- Choose nutritious foods, limit foods and drinks high in added sugars, and take care of health conditions such as diabetes that can affect your oral health.
- Know the warning signs. Red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, receding gums, persistent bad breath, loose or sensitive teeth, or changes in your bite are all reasons to talk with a dental professional.
Gum health affects more than just our mouth. Oral health is an important part of overall health. Research has established an important relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease: diabetes can increase the risk and severity of gum disease, while gum disease may make blood sugar more difficult to manage. Your mouth is part of your body. Taking care of your gums is another important part of taking care of you.
For more information about how to keep your gums healthy, visit: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/oral-health-recommendations