| Mouth is the window to the body. Gum | | | | indicate signs of disease. Tartar may be |
| disease is a common problem, and is | | | | progressing below the gumline and some |
| often why people lose their teeth. Gum | | | | bone loss could be evident. Pockets that |
| disease also known periodontitis- is a | | | | are 5 millimeters or deeper indicate a |
| bacterial infection which affects 40% of | | | | serious condition that usually includes |
| adults across the world and which can | | | | receding gums and a greater degree of |
| lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is | | | | bone loss. |
| extremely common and affects 3 out of | | | | Gum disease affects the tissues that |
| every 4 adults over the age of 35 in the | | | | surround and support your teeth. The |
| UK. Gum disease, not tooth decay, is the | | | | cause is bacteria, which can turn into |
| biggest cause of tooth loss. Only 60% of | | | | tartar and plaque buildup, irritate your |
| women in the UK aged 45 can claim to | | | | gums and lead to bleeding and receding |
| have all their own teeth. Gum disease | | | | gums. Girls have a higher risk of gum |
| isn't just something that happens later | | | | disease than guys. Increases in female |
| in life, more than half of teenagers | | | | hormones during puberty can make girls' |
| have some form of gum disease. Smoking | | | | gums more sensitive to irritation. Some |
| causes 50% of all cases of gum disease | | | | girls may notice that their gums bleed a |
| in the UK. Periodontal disease can | | | | bit in the days before their periods. |
| affect one tooth or many teeth. It | | | | Hormonal changes in girls/women. These |
| begins when the bacteria in plaque | | | | changes can make gums more sensitive and |
| causes the gums to become inflamed. Gums | | | | make it easier for gingivitis to |
| separate from the teeth, forming pockets | | | | develop. Diabetes. People with diabetes |
| (spaces between the teeth and gums) that | | | | are at higher risk for developing |
| become infected. As the disease | | | | infections, including periodontal |
| progresses, the pockets deepen and more | | | | disease. Medications. Some drugs, such |
| gum tissue and bone are destroyed. | | | | as antidepressants and some heart |
| Often, this destructive process has very | | | | medicines, can affect oral health |
| mild symptoms. Most commonly, gum | | | | because they lessen the flow of saliva. |
| disease develops when plaque is allowed | | | | Genetic susceptibility. Some people are |
| to build up along and under the gum | | | | more prone to severe periodontal disease |
| line. | | | | than others. |
| Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate | | | | Gum disease and Prevention Tips |
| oral hygiene. Gum disease prevention is | | | | 1. Brush twice a day for at least 3 |
| not very difficult and typically | | | | minutes each time (about the length of |
| involves little more than eating a good, | | | | your favorite song), and floss daily. |
| healthy diet and maintaining good oral | | | | 2. Always brush with a toothpaste that |
| hygiene practices. It is especially | | | | contains fluoride; some dentists also |
| important to brush and floss daily in | | | | recommend daily mouth rinses containing |
| order to remove plaque. In the early | | | | fluoride. |
| stage of gingivitis, the gums can become | | | | 3. Use a toothbrush with soft, polished |
| red and swollen and bleed easily, often | | | | bristles, as these are less likely to |
| during toothbrushing. Bleeding, although | | | | irritate or injure gum tissue. |
| not always a symptom of gingivitis, is a | | | | 4. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid snacks and |
| signal that your mouth is unhealthy and | | | | junk foods packed with sugar that |
| needs attention. The gums may be | | | | plaque-causing bacteria love to feed on. |
| irritated, but the teeth are still | | | | 5. Don't smoke! Cigarettes and chewing |
| firmly planted in their sockets. No bone | | | | tobacco cause mouth irritation and are |
| or other tissue damage has occurred at | | | | very unhealthy for gums and teeth. |
| this stage. Gums are tight against the | | | | 6. Regular dental care is extremely |
| teeth and have pink tips. Pockets that | | | | important in helping to keep your mouth |
| measure 3 millimeters to 5 millimeters | | | | healthy. |