The key to prevention is really about daily basics done well: Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste 🪥 Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes See your dentist or hygienist regularly for professional cleaning to remove tartar If you: Have diabetes Smoke Or already notice possible gum problems (bleeding, swollen gums, bad breath, or loose teeth) Then regular check‑ups and follow‑up with your dentist

Most gum disease starts with plaque and tartar building up on the teeth. When we don’t brush well enough every day, plaque sticks around the gumline. Over time it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes long‑term inflammation. Step by step, this can develop from simple gum inflammation into periodontal (gum) disease. On top of that, a few “risk boosters” can make things worse: Smoking or using tobacco products 🚬 Diabetes, especially if blood sugar isn’t well

If it’s left untreated, it can lead to bad breath, receding gums, bigger gaps between your teeth and loose teeth – and it’s also been linked with long‑term conditions like diabetes and heart disease through chronic inflammation.⚠️ 🩺 What is periodontal (gum) disease? It’s basically chronic inflammation of the tissues around your teeth. Warning signs can include: Gums that bleed when you brush or floss Red, swollen or tender gums Persistent bad breath Teeth that look “longer”