Gum disease

Plaque as explained above also attacks your gums causing gingivitis – gum disease. You may have gum disease if you notice bleeding gums, swollen red gums, bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.

Gum disease is reversible if you have it treated early enough and you follow the oral hygiene instructions given by your dentist or hygienist.

If gum disease is left to progress the gums and bone will recede from around your tooth making it less secure and eventually you may lose your tooth. Smoking makes gum disease worse and sometimes are decreased resistance to gum disease is inherited from our parents.