On Gum Health Day, experts point to how gum disease starts quietly, why it is often missed, and how everyday oral care and diet help keep it in check
Most of us notice a house for its paint, windows or interiors, rarely thinking about the foundation until cracks appear. Gums work in much the same way. They support the teeth every day but usually come into attention only when problems arise.
As May 12 is observed as Gum Health Day, it is a good time to talk about the gums.
What gum health means
“Gums, also known as gingiva, are the soft pink tissues that surround and support the teeth,” says consultant periodontist and implantologist, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Bambolim, Dr. Shreekala S. Borker. “Healthy gums are firm, pink, and fit closely around the teeth, helping keep them stable and protecting the underlying bone.”
When oral hygiene is not maintained, plaque, a bacterial film, builds up on teeth and triggers inflammation.
Borker explains that gum disease or periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, marked by redness, swelling and bleeding during brushing or flossing. “If untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, where infection affects deeper tissues and bone, leading to gum recession, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and in advanced cases, tooth loss.”
Why it is often missed
Early gum disease usually develops without pain, which delays attention. Bleeding during brushing is usually ignored, bad breath is attributed to food habits, and gum changes may go unnoticed. “By the time symptoms become clear, damage may already have occurred,” says Dr. Borker.
She adds that poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, unhealthy diet and irregular dental visits increase risk. “Smoking, in particular, reduces blood supply to gums and can mask early bleeding.”
Link with overall health
Gum disease has been associated with diabetes, heart and lung diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Borker says, “Long-standing gum infection can allow bacteria and inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation in the body.”
Diet and gum health
Professor Dr. Gauri SarDessai, Department of Periodontics, Goa Dental College and Hospital, says diet plays an important role in gum health and the body’s healing response.
“High sugar intake increases plaque formation, while poor nutrition slows tissue repair,” she says.
She explains that vitamin C supports gum structure, vitamin D supports bone health, while vitamins A, E and K help with tissue integrity and healing. “Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron maintain bone strength, immunity and oral tissue repair.”
Fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots and celery increase saliva flow, which helps clear food particles and reduce bacterial build-up in the mouth.
Dr. SarDessai says, “Nuts and seeds such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds, along with fish, provide healthy fats, minerals and proteins that support gum and
bone health.”
She adds that green tea contains compounds called catechins, which may help reduce bacterial growth in the mouth and limit plaque formation.
Foods that may harm gums
Frequent sugar intake increases plaque formation. Acidic foods can wear down enamel, while refined starches stick to teeth and support bacterial growth. Alcohol reduces saliva flow, affecting the mouth’s natural cleaning process.
Prevention and care
The duo says that gum disease can be controlled if detected early. Treatment ranges from professional cleaning in mild cases to deep cleaning, surgery or bone-related procedures in advanced stages.
“Regular follow-up and consistent oral hygiene are essential after treatment,” says Dr. Borker.
They recommend brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth, rinsing after meals, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet and going for regular check-ups. Dr. SarDessai adds, “People with conditions like diabetes need closer
monitoring.”
