What is gum disease?

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.

REASONS FOR GUM DISEASE:

• Poor oral care habits
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Older age
• Dry mouth
• Genetics
• Poor nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency
• Dental restorations that don't fit properly or crooked teeth that are difficult to clean
• Medical conditions such as certain viral and fungal infections

SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE INCLUDE:

• your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, floss or eat hard foods such as apples
• your gums becoming swollen, red and sore
• bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth
• your gums shrinking
• your teeth becoming loose or falling out