“Also, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste, and wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after enjoying a sugary food or drink,” recommends Whitley.
“When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, bacteria and plaque can build up in your mouth and irritate your gums – leading to gum disease,” explains Whitley.
According to the NHS website, symptoms of gum disease include swollen, red gums and/or bleeding gums when brushing, flossing, or when eating hard foods like apples.
“It may also be harder for adults living with decreased mobility to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine, which can also increase your chances of developing gum disease.”.
“If you have mouth ulcers that have not healed after two to three weeks, or if you notice unexplained lumps in the mouth or swollen lymph glands in the neck, contact your dentist or GP as soon as possible,” advises Seaborne.