Gum disease
Overview
Gum disease is where the gums become red, swollen and sore, and bleed. It's very common, but it's important to get it checked by a dentist.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gum disease include: your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, floss or eat hard foods such as applesyour gums becoming swollen, red and sore Gum disease can lead to: bad breath and a bad taste in the mouthyour gums shrinkingyour teeth becoming loose or falling out
Causes
Plaque build-up (bacteria). Risks: smoking; diabetes; poor hygiene; stress.
Treatment
Your dentist will check your teeth and gums, and may take someX-raysto check your teeth and jaw bone. They may also refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatment. How gum disease is treated depends on how severe it is. In the early stages, your dentist will: give you advice about keeping your teeth clean, such as using interdental brushesadvise you to stop smoking, if you smokeadvise you to get your teeth cleaned by a hygienist If your gum disease is serious, you may need: to have deep cleaning under the gumsantibioticsto have some teeth removedgum surgery
Prevention
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing and cleaning in between them regularly, it builds up and irritates your gums. There are things you can do yourself to prevent gum disease. brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day – spit after brushing, do not rinse brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day – spit after brushing, do not rinse clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes replace your toothbrush every 1 to 3 months replace your toothbrush every 1 to 3 months see a dentist and dental hygienist for regular check-ups, especially if you're pregnant or have type 2 diabetes see a dentist and dental hygienist for regular check-ups, especially if you're pregnant or have type 2 diabetes do not use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth do not use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth do not smoke do not smoke
When to see a doctor
call your dentist – if they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do call 111 – they can advise you what to dofind a dentist near you– ask if you can have an emergency appointment You may have to pay for your appointment. Read more aboutNHS dental charges.