'Anyone of any age can get gum disease': How to care for your gums to protect your future health 

Up to 80% of the population has some form of gum disease, which can lead to health issues ranging from dementia to lung disease. Fortunately, it can be stopped or slowed

Recent research suggests that interdental brushes are more effective than flossing, but if gaps between the teeth are too tight, floss can be used instead.  Picture: iStock.

Open wide and check your gums in the bathroom mirror. If what you see are pale pink, firm gums that wrap tightly around your teeth, then you get high marks for gum health. 

If, however, your gums are red, swollen, and receding, there is a pink tinge or even blood when you swill out your mouth after brushing or flossing, it’s a sign of gum disease, a problem that starts as a painless inconvenience but which can eventually cause a chronic inflammatory response in the body, raising the risk of a long list of health issues from dementia and type 2 diabetes to lung and heart disease.