Gum disease

Here is some advice for taking care of or preventing gum disease:

Gum disease is inflammation of the gums (gingivae) and damage to the bone that anchors teeth in the jaws. Gum disease is very common, affecting more than half of adults with natural teeth.

If plaque isn't cleaned off your teeth regularly, your gums will become red, swollen and shiny, and they may bleed. This is the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. Gingivitis is completely reversible. If the plaque is removed, the gums will recover.

If gingivitis is not treated, the gums may begin to pull away from your teeth, leaving a little pocket around each tooth. These pockets trap plaque that you can't reach with a toothbrush. Over time, plaque hardens to become tartar (calculus). Plaque and tartar build up, causing further irritation.

The irritation gradually spreads to the bone structures around your teeth. As time goes on, the pockets get deeper and more difficult to clean, and the gum and bone may shrink. This is called periodontitis. The shrinking gums may expose some of the roots of your teeth, making them wobbly and sensitive. If left untreated over a number of years, your teeth may fall out, or need to be taken out by a dentist.

Preventing gum disease involves controlling the amount of plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth. Regular visits to your dentist or hygienist, brushing and flossing your teeth properly and stopping smoking will help to do this.

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