Gum disease and your health

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease, is so common yet, it is often overlooked by people.

Gum disease not only has serious consequences for your oral health, but it can also be warning signs of potentially life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke, preterm birth, etc.

Gum disease, or gingivitis, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and is a result of poor dental hygiene. If left untreated, gum disease may leave you with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• gums that bleed during and after brushing
• Bad breath
• Tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums
• Receding gums
• Mobility of the tooth
• Abscessed teeth - an infection in or around the root of the tooth which may or may not be painful