According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 1 in 7 adults ages 35-44 have some form of gum disease. As gum disease becomes more severe, it can affect more than just your gums. If it gets bad enough, it may even change the structure of your face. Luckily, there are serval ways to stop gum disease in its tracks. Read on to learn more about the connection between gum disease and facial shape as well as how to avoid further oral health issues.

Your gums are swollen, red, and you see a bump that wasn’t there before. With over 47% of American adults ages 30 and older having some form of periodontal disease, you may assume this is gingivitis. How can you know if it’s something even more serious like gum cancer? While the only way to know for sure is to visit your dentist, there are a few things you should know regarding prevention and how to recognize the difference between gingivitis and oral cancer.