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How healthy are my gums?
Tick the signs and risk factors that apply to you and see your gum health risk in under a minute, with simple steps to improve it.
Gum disease is quiet
Gum disease rarely hurts in the early stages, which is why many people don’t notice it until teeth feel loose. The early signs are easy to miss: gums that bleed when you brush, a bad taste that keeps coming back, or gums that look red or puffy.
This check combines those signs with known risk factors such as smoking, diabetes and pregnancy. It tells you whether your gums sound healthy, need attention, or should be checked soon.
Why gums matter
Gums and the bone underneath hold your teeth in place. Gingivitis, the early stage, is reversible with a professional cleaning and good daily cleaning between the teeth. Left untreated it can progress to periodontitis, where the support around the teeth is lost.
Read more about the signs of gum disease and our gum treatment.
Healthy gums usually
- Look pink and firm
- Don’t bleed when you brush or floss
- Fit snugly around each tooth
- Don’t smell or taste unpleasant
Gum health questions
Is it normal for gums to bleed when I brush?
Can gum disease be cured?
Does smoking affect gums?
How often should I have my gums checked?
Book a gum check
Free consultation and X-ray, and a clear plan if your gums need care.
Who wrote this
Written by the dental team at Al Jazeera Dental Clinic, a family clinic on Al Khan Street, Al Majaz 3, Sharjah, open since 1998, and medically reviewed by Dr Ranjeet Kumar, Medical Director (BDS, Diploma in Endodontics), October 2026. Use it as a guide only. Every mouth is different, so a check-up is the only way to know what you need.