Gum disease could result in a trip to the emergency dentist in London – and a practice is warning it is not only elderly people who can suffer from the condition.
According to Appledore Dental Clinic in Berkshire, anyone aged from their teens upwards can be a victim of this oral health problem.
Not only can individuals with gum disease suffer from bad breath, but they can also experience pain and tooth loss, the practice added.
If this happens – patients may find they need dental implants to fix the problem.
The clinic explained why it was important to brush gnashers and floss regularly.
"Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums," it said.
"Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums."
Those who believe they take good care of their mouth but wish they had a brighter smile might like to consider teeth whitening.
Enamel can naturally vary in colour, but this particular procedure can make it whiter.