*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - G : Gum Disease

Gum disease is where the gums become red, swollen and sore, and bleed. It's very common, but it's important to get it checked by a dentist.

Check if you have gum disease

Symptoms of gum disease include:

your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, floss or eat hard foods such as apples
your gums becoming swollen, red and sore

Gum disease can lead to:

bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth
your gums shrinking
your teeth becoming loose or falling out

See a dentist if:

your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or eat hard foods
your gums are painful and swollen
you have bad breath
your child has sore, bleeding gums

Ask for an urgent dentist appointment if:

You or your child have gum disease and other symptoms such as:

very sore and swollen gums
teeth becoming loose or falling out
ulcers or red patches in your mouth
a lump in your mouth or on your lip

To see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours:

call your dentist - if they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do

If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:

call 111 - they can advise you what to do
find a dentist near you - ask if you can have an emergency appointment

You may have to pay for your appointment.

Get regular dental check-ups

You should have regular dental check-ups even if you do not have any problems. See a dentist if you have not had a check-up for 2 years (or 1 year if you're under 18).

Treatments for gum disease

Your dentist will check your teeth and gums, and may take some X-rays to check your teeth and jaw bone.

They may also refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatment.

How gum disease is treated depends on how severe it is.

In the early stages, your dentist will:

give you advice about keeping your teeth clean, such as using interdental brushes
advise you to stop smoking, if you smoke
advise you to get your teeth cleaned by a hygienist

If your gum disease is serious, you may need:

to have deep cleaning under the gums
antibiotics
to have some teeth removed
gum surgery

Preventing gum disease

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth.

If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing and cleaning in between them regularly, it builds up and irritates your gums.

There are things you can do yourself to prevent gum disease.

Do

brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day - spit after brushing, do not rinse
clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes
replace your toothbrush every 1 to 3 months
see a dentist and dental hygienist for regular check-ups, especially if you're pregnant or have type 2 diabetes

Don't

do not use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth
do not smoke

Find out more

Taking care of your teeth and gums
Looking after your children's teeth
Looking after your baby's teeth

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.