Did you know that gum disease is the most common cause of premature tooth loss in adults in the UK? If you’re keen to take better care of your gums, we’ve got some terrific tips for you:

1. Stick to a good daily oral hygiene regime: cleaning your teeth isn’t just important to keep your pearly whites in check. When you brush and floss, you remove bacteria and bits of food from your mouth, decreasing the risk of plaque formation. Plaque not only causes decay. It also irritates the gums, causing them to become inflamed and painful. We recommend brushing the teeth twice day for at least 2 minutes each time using fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily.

2. Keep up to date with dental checks: according to the Oral Health Foundation, regular check-ups can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay by up to 60 percent. If you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 6-12 months, we recommend getting in touch. Check-ups are quick and painless.

3. Be mouth aware: gum disease is a condition that gets worse with time, so it’s really beneficial to be aware of the early warning signs. If you spot potential symptoms, see your dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention can help to prevent permanent damage to your gums and the supportive bone tissue beneath. Signs to look out for include swelling, redness and soreness and bleeding when you brush.

4. Stop smoking: smoking increases your risk of gum disease because it reduces blood flow to the gums. If you are a smoker, and you’d like to try and quit, we’re here to help.