Oral health and the rest of your body

How gum disease develops

Bacterial plaque hardens into tartar at the gum line, the gum becomes inflamed, bleeds when brushed, and over years the bone supporting the tooth is lost. The early stage is reversible; the later stage is not.

The link with general health

Persistent gum inflammation raises circulating inflammatory markers. People with advanced gum disease have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, and in diabetes the relationship runs both ways: high blood sugar worsens the gums, and treating the gums modestly improves blood sugar control.

What protects your gums

• Brushing twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
• Not smoking, the single strongest risk factor
• Professional scaling as advised, usually once or twice a year

Signs to act on

Bleeding when brushing is not normal. Persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth or a change in how teeth meet when biting mean you should see a dentist promptly.