Protect your gums

Gingivitis is another term for gum disease. Your gums may become red and swollen around the teeth. Early gum disease is usually mild, and you may not feel much pain.

Periodontal disease is the advanced stage of gum disease. At this stage, you are at very high risk of tooth loss. Periodontal disease requires both immediate treatment and long-term management.

Periodontal disease doesn’t truly go away as it cannot be cured. However, once managed, flare-ups are possible. Neglecting your oral health and developing bad habits like smoking can cause periodontal disease to return in force. So it’s best to stick to a long-term plan to protect your gums and hold onto your teeth.

It does. Medical research increasingly points to a link between mouth infections and problems elsewhere in the body. For example, gum disease is linked to inflammation throughout the body that can point to increased risk of heart attack.

Research has found a consistent association between gum disease and stroke risk, with people who have periodontal disease more likely to experience a stroke than those with healthy gums. While the exact cause-and-effect relationship is still being studied, the connection is a strong reason to take gum health seriously as part of your overall wellbeing, not just your smile.

Genetics may play a small part, but plaque build-up is still the real culprit behind gum disease. Removing it from your teeth every day is the most effective way to keep it at bay.