The 10 habits
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night.
- Use a soft brush and gentle pressure. Hard scrubbing wears enamel and gums.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser.
- Spit, don’t rinse after brushing, to keep the fluoride on your teeth.
- Keep sugar to mealtimes. Frequent sweet chai, biscuits and soft drinks do more harm than the same amount at once.
- Drink water between meals.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco, paan or gutka. They’re the biggest avoidable cause of gum disease and are linked to mouth cancer.
- Manage diabetes well, which protects your gums too.
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and a night guard if you grind.
- Have a check-up and clean every six to twelve months, or as advised.
Gum warning signs
See a dentist if you notice:
- gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- red, swollen or tender gums
- persistent bad breath
- gums pulling back from the teeth
- teeth that feel loose or have moved
- pus between the teeth and gums
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with a professional clean and better home care. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) needs specialist treatment to stop it progressing.
At Petal Smiles
Our general dentist does check-ups and cleaning, and our periodontist treats gum disease at every stage. We’re open 10am to 8pm every day. See gum treatment and teeth cleaning.
Questions patients ask us
Is it normal for gums to bleed when brushing?
No. Bleeding is usually a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis). Keep brushing gently and cleaning between your teeth; if it doesn't settle within a couple of weeks, see a dentist.
Is mouthwash necessary?
Not for most people. It doesn't replace brushing and cleaning between teeth. Use it at a different time from brushing so it doesn't wash away the fluoride.
Does diabetes affect the gums?
Yes. Diabetes raises the risk of gum disease, and gum disease can make diabetes harder to control. Good gum care is part of managing diabetes.
Does paan or gutka damage teeth and gums?
Yes. They stain teeth, wear them down, damage the gums and are linked to mouth cancer. Supari, tobacco and lime are all harmful.
Sources
NHS: gum disease ↗NHS: how to keep your teeth clean ↗ADA MouthHealthy: gum disease ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.