What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a common condition, often described as having sore, swollen or puffy red gums.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that live naturally in your mouth and collect on the teeth in a biofilm known as plaque.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
If you notice you have bleeding gums or bad breath, this may be an early sign of gum disease- you should visit your dentist for a thorough check-up of your teeth and gums. X-rays may also be taken to check for signs of gum disease.
Did you know?
There are two stages of gum disease- “gingivitis” and “periodontitis”. Early gum disease is called “gingivitis”, and it can usually be treated by good oral hygiene care such as brushing twice a day and flossing between your teeth regularly. You should get in touch with your dentist if you think you have gingivitis so we can ensure you are looking after your teeth in the best way possible and give you some tips on how to brush and floss your teeth, as well as a thorough clean up to remove any hard plaque (tartar).
If left, early gum disease (gingivitis) can turn into a more severe form of gum disease (periodontitis). This disease affects the supporting tissues of your teeth, and gradually you may notice your teeth becoming looser due to the lost bone which anchors your teeth in.
You can slow down the progression of periodontitis with meticulous oral hygiene care at home and frequent visits to see your dentist.
