When it comes to gum disease, it’s worth being aware of the warning signs because mild gum disease can quickly advance into a more serious condition called periodontitis. Visiting your dentist as soon as you start to see symptoms can help to prevent the problem from becoming more serious and make sure you don’t have to endure sore or painful gums.

Spotting the warning signs of gum disease

The most common symptoms of mild disease (also known as gingivitis) include swollen, sore gums and bleeding when you brush your teeth. As gum disease becomes more advanced, the symptoms become more apparent and include redness, inflammation, pain and tenderness. In more advanced cases of gum disease, the gums recede and pockets develop, causing the teeth to become loose.

What should I do if I think I have gum disease?

If your gums are sore and swollen or you notice blood when you brush your teeth, call your dentist to arrange an appointment. If you do have gum disease, it’s best to get it treated as early as possible to prevent more severe symptoms. Mild gum disease is relatively easy to treat, but advanced gum disease can cause irreversible damage to the bone structure holding the teeth in place, eventually leading to tooth loss.

How can I prevent gum disease?

The best way to lower your chances of developing gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene. A good oral hygiene regime starts with daily brushing and flossing. You should brush for two minutes in the morning and again in the evening using fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing will help to remove bacteria and any leftover bits of food from the spaces between the teeth and ensure that your gum line is clean. We also recommend seeing a dentist every six months for a check-up and visiting our amazing dental hygienists for a more in depth clean.