Here’s a surprising statistic ─ gum disease affects 8 out of 10 people over the age of 35 across Europe. Vhi Chief Dental Officer, Dr Gina Kilfeather, explains what causes gum disease, what symptoms you can look out for, and three simple steps for prevention.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is the side effect of a build-up of plaque on the teeth and around the gums. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria that can be harmful for your gums. Most adults in Ireland will be affected by gum disease to some degree at least once in their lifetime. Gum disease is treatable, and the earlier it’s caught by your dentist, the more effective treatment is. 

When it comes to the health of your gums, prevention is better than cure. We’ll look at the straight-forward steps to avoid it further on. First, have a look at some of the early signs of gum disease to look out for:

• Red and swollen gums
• Tartar (hardened plaque) on the teeth next to the gum
• Bad breath
• Receding gums (when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing more tooth surface)
• Changes in the positioning of teeth
• Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
• Advanced gum disease can run in families, so check with your parents or siblings to see if they've had gum disease. 

If you have any of these symptoms, visit your dentist as soon as you can for a check-up and guidance on treatment.

How to prevent gum disease:

• Brush twice a day: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
• Interdental cleaning: Clean the spaces between the teeth once per day, where the toothbrush bristles can’t reach. You can use floss, interdental brushes, a water flosser, or whatever is recommended to you by your dentist. 
• Visit your dentist regularly: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups to spot problems with your gums before you experience any symptoms. Your dentist can also show you how to best clean your teeth and gums.

Keep in mind, it’s possible to have some of the symptoms I’ve shared above and not have gum disease ― such as bad breath or bleeding gums from brushing too hard. Just arrange a check-up with your dentist (every six to 12 months) and whether you have gum disease or not, they’ll set out a treatment plan for your needs.

This content is for information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your health, or before commencing a new healthcare regime. If you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency call 999 / 112 or seek emergency assistance immediately.