What Are The Symptoms?

Gum disease is usually caused by a build up of dental plaque.

Symptoms include sore and swollen gums (which can also be caused by over-vigorous toothbrushing), bleeding gums and receding gums - leading in worst cases to tooth loss.

You are more likely to suffer from gum disease if you:

are an expectant mother

are aged over 35

have diabetes which you are struggling to control

are taking certain forms of medication including tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, antimuscarinic drugs, some antiepileptic drugs, some antipsychotics, beta-blockers, diuretics ('water tablets').

Gingivitis left unchecked for too long can develop into periodontitis.