What is Gum Disease?

• Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected.
• More people lose teeth from gum disease than from tooth decay.
• If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath. This stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop.
• If periodontitis is not treated, the bone supporting your teeth will get destroyed. As a result your teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out.

Preventing and treating gum disease

Mild cases of gum disease can usually be treated by maintaining a good level of oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

If you have severe gum disease, you will usually need to have further dental treatment and, in some cases, surgery may need to be carried out.