Gum disease affects thousands of adults in the UK, and it is currently the leading cause of premature tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease can be prevented. If you’re keen to keep your gums in check, here are 5 simple steps you can take:

1. Brushing: brushing is essential for keeping the mouth clean and reducing the risk of plaque formation. Spend two minutes brushing your teeth every morning and evening to keep gum disease at bay.
2. Floss: brushing has limitations, as you can’t fit a brush between the teeth. This is where flossing comes in handy. Floss daily to clean between your teeth and prevent plaque.
3. Book a dental check: routine dental check-ups play an important role in preventing gum disease. Dentists are trained to spot very early warning signs, and if you visit regularly, this means that any potential problems can be addressed as early as possible. Ideally, you should visit your dentist every 6-12 months.
4. Avoid smoking: smoking increases the risk of gum disease because it reduces blood flow to the gums. If you smoke, and you’d like to give up, we may able to help. Ask our friendly team for more information about stop smoking services.
5. Keep an eye out for warning signs: gum disease is a progressive condition, which means that it develops with time. Mild gum disease is relatively easy to treat, but if it is left alone, it can quickly become more serious. Advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease, causes permanent damage to the gums and it may result in tooth loss. Keep an eye out for warning signs such as swollen, painful and bleeding gums. If you spot these signs, see your dentist.