Your gums are like cushions for your teeth: they surround the teeth in the jaws and help to support them. Looking after your gums is just as important as looking after your teeth. Red and swollen gums that bleed when you brush them could be a sign of gum disease, also known as gingivitis.

When gingivitis, is left untreated it can develop further into a type of infection known as periodontitis, which affects the entire area surrounding the tooth. A result of this could be losing your tooth so it's vital to avoid this by taking care of your gums.

To keep your mouth in tip-top condition we recommend you come in for regular hygieneist's appointments and dental check-ups – that way, we’ll catch the symptoms of gum disease early on.

Other things you can do include stopping smoking, brushing twice a day, flossing daily to remove food and debris trapped between your teeth, using a fluoride toothpaste and an antibacterial mouthwash. At the same time, consider limiting your sugar intake.