Gum disease
Gum disease
Gum disease is a common problem where the gums bleed and become swollen, sore or infected.
Many adults have gum disease to some degree, and most people get it at least once. It's much less common in children. It's one of the main reasons adults lose teeth, but it can be prevented.
Healthy gums are pink, firm and hold your teeth securely in place. They shouldn't bleed when you touch or brush them, and you shouldn't normally be able to see the roots of your teeth.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Speak to your dental team if:
- your gums hurt or are swollen
- your gums bleed when you brush your teeth
- you have loose teeth
- the spaces between your teeth are getting wider or changing
Your dentist can check how healthy your gums are.
Causes
Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. Some of these bacteria are harmless, but others can harm your gums.
If plaque isn't cleared away by regular brushing, it keeps building up and starts to irritate your gums. Over time, this can lead to redness, bleeding, swelling and soreness.
Some people are more prone to gum disease than others. Your risk may be higher if you smoke, if you have diabetes, or if someone in your family has lost teeth because of gum disease.
Prevention
There are several simple habits that can help keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease.
Do
- brush your teeth and gums with a toothbrush twice a day, for 2 minutes each time
- use a fluoride toothpaste
- clean between your teeth regularly, using interdental brushes or dental floss
- visit your dentist for regular check-ups
Dental check-ups
Regular dental check-ups matter because they let your dentist catch and treat any problems with your teeth and gums early, before they become serious.
At each visit, your dentist or hygiene therapist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of trouble. They can also show you how to clean your teeth more effectively at home and advise you on ways to lower your risk of gum problems, such as giving up smoking.
Further information about dental check-ups
If you are at higher risk of gum problems, for instance because you smoke or have diabetes, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits so your teeth and gums can be watched closely.
If you have already been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, you can find more guidance on managing these conditions from the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme.
Complications
Untreated gum disease can turn into periodontitis, which may bring further problems such as:
- gum abscesses (painful pockets of pus)
- gums pulling back from the teeth
- teeth becoming loose
- teeth falling out