Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Besides red, swollen gums and bad breath, people with gum disease will suffer from gum recession, widening of space between teeth (interdental space), mobile and drifting teeth, or even loss of affected teeth. On top of the adverse effect on the person's appearance, it also greatly lowers his/her self-esteem. It will interfere with his/her normal social life.
Furthermore, gum recession will lead to exposed root surfaces, which makes the teeth sensitive when taking hot, cold, sweet, or sour food. Severe gum disease will also cause loosening, drifting or even loss of affected teeth, which makes chewing difficult and inefficient. It adversely affects the general health and the quality of life.
If a person who wears a denture suffers from gum disease, the denture may become unfit because of the destruction of the tissues surrounding the tooth. A new denture may need to be made.