Gum Disease Gum Disease
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Who gets periodontal disease? People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have periodontal disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line What can I do to prevent gum disease? Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontal diseases: Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste) Floss every day Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning Eat a well balanced diet Don’t use tobacco products How do I know if I have periodontal disease? Symptoms are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. They include: Bad breath that won’t go away Red or swollen gums Tender or bleeding gums Painful chewing Loose teeth Sensitive teeth Any of these symptoms may signal a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit:


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