Your gums are simply tissue that acts as the foundation for your teeth and helps support them. When they become infected it’s called gum or periodontal disease and, amongst adults, it is a significant factor for losing teeth. Usually you may be quite unaware that you have a gum disease because it is often painless. The root cause is the sticky and invisible film of bacteria called plaque, which sticks to the surfaces of your teeth and keeps the bacteria and the acid that they generate in constant contact with the enamel of your teeth.

These are some of the symptoms of gum disease:

• Loose teeth
• A noticeable difference in your bite
• Loosening or a sudden bad fit with partial dentures
• Gums that are swollen, tender, and red
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• A bad taste or bad breath that does not go away

There are certain conditions and activities that can contribute to gum disease:

• Not following your daily dental hygiene program
• Smoking cigarettes or any tobacco products. Chewing tobacco.
• Your genetics
• Teeth that may be difficult to brush, like crooked teeth
• Becoming pregnant
• Contracting diabetes
• Oral contraceptives and certain medications, such as some calcium channel blockers, steroids, cancer therapy and anti-epilepsy drugs