Does gum disease run in families?
Although there is some evidence that gum disease runs in families, the main cause is the plaque which forms on the surface of your teeth. To prevent gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. How can I help to stop my gum disease getting worse? If you have gum disease, your dentist or hygienist will usually give your teeth a thorough clean to remove any scale or tartar. This may take a number of sessions with the dentist or hygienist. They will also show you how to effectively remove the soft plaque yourself, by cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly at home. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which forms on the teeth and gums every day. (See our leaflet Tell me about “gum disease.) Gum disease is never cured. But as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught you can slow down its progress and even stop it altogether. You must make sure you remove plaque every day, and go for regular check ups with the dentist and hy
