Gum disease, medically often called periodontitis, "can destroy the bone that supports your teeth", the Mayo Clinic warns.

Early indications of gum illness can embrace bleeding, puffy gums that may really feel tender to the touch.

If you don't tackle the underlying habits that would worsen gum illness, the Mayo Clinic warns "this can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss".

Healthy gums are "firm and fit snugly around teeth" however, if there's gum illness current, you may expertise:

• Bright crimson, darkish crimson or darkish purple gums
• A toothbrush that appears pink after brushing your tooth
• Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your tooth
• Bad breath that will not go away
• Pus between your tooth and gums
• Loose tooth or lack of tooth
• Painful chewing
• New areas that develop between your tooth that seem like black triangles
• Gums that draw back out of your tooth, making your tooth look longer than traditional
• A change in the way in which your tooth match collectively while you chew.

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The Mayo Clinic says: "If you notice any symptoms of periodontitis, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible."

Certain elements can enhance the chance of worsening gum illness, comparable to a low vitamin C intake.

Good oral well being care is crucial in stopping the development of gum illness, which suggests brushing tooth for at the very least two minutes, twice each day.

People are additionally beneficial to floss each day, which ought to be carried out earlier than brushing the tooth.

"Good oral care keeps your teeth and gums clean and removes the bacteria that cause periodontal disease," the Mayo Clinic explains.

Regular dentist check-ups are one other important instrument package in opposition to worsening gum illness.

A dental hygienist can completely clear across the tooth to stop additional injury to the encompassing gum tissue and bone.

People are inspired to see their dentist each six months, or annually.

Factors to keep away from when you've got gum illness are:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Vaping.

Lifestyle ideas embrace altering your electrical toothbrush head each three months, utilizing a mouth rinse, and to think about brushing your tooth after each meal or snack.

In phrases of mouthwash, the NHS advises to not use the product straight after brushing your tooth.

"Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch," the well being physique recommends.