Gumsmart

More people suffer from gum disease than any other oral care problem. You might be surprised to learn just how common gum disease is:

1. 90% of the population are estimated to suffer from gum disease at some point in their life
2. Gum disease and not tooth decay is the largest single cause of tooth loss
3. More than half of all teenagers have some form of gum disease
4. Around 50% of all pregnant women suffer dental problems at some point during their pregnancy – the most common being pregnancy gingivitis. Changing hormone levels can make gums more susceptible to plaque attack
5. Gum disease affects 3 out of every 4 adults over the age of 35 in the UK
6. Dental plaque is the main cause of gum disease – plaque is the sticky stuff that collects on the hard surface of your teeth and gums
7. Only 60% of women in the UK aged 45 can claim to have all their own teeth

The best way to avoid gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Gums, once damaged never grow back so it’s vital to look after them. The best way to do this is to care for your teeth and gums at home and ensure you visit your dentist every 12 months, or as often as they recommend.

• Use floss or interdental brushes at least once a day to clean between teeth and remove plaque
• Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day for at least two minutes
• Visit your dentist regularly

You may feel you do all of these already, but if your gums are still bleeding then the chances are that not all the plaque is being removed. Keep reading to learn more about identifying the symptoms of gum disease and how to treat it.