After tooth decay, the second most frequent disorder within the mouth is inflammation of the gingiva (gums) and the periodontium (the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth). Gum disease is often not diagnosed early enough because, in contrast to tooth decay, tooth ache and pain do not occur so early. Experts estimate that 95% of adults in the UK suffer from some form of gum disease, 10% of which have serious, long-term implications.
