As you drive to the dentist twice a year (because you definitely go twice a year, right?), the chances are your mind is filled with anxious thoughts about your teeth. Have you been brushing them for two minutes a day, twice a day? Have you been flossing diligently? Most of all, will the dentist notice that you've erred?

We're right to worry, of course – but in doing so, we tend to forget about our gums. And that's where your dentist really gets excited. According to the last comprehensive dental survey of adults from the British Dental Assocation, around 45pc of us suffer from gum disease. And gum disease is a real sign of trouble.

“It’s is a common problem, typically caused by bacteria from plaque build-up,” explains Ros O’Leary, specialist periodontist from BUPA Dental Care. “However, unlike toothache or sensitivity, it doesn’t always cause pain or discomfort, meaning it can be harder for people to spot.”

Why should you be worried about gum disease?

When we talk about gum disease, we’re talking about infection from hundreds of different kinds of bacteria, but there’s one in particular that’s a major cause for concern. P. gingivalis is one of the main pathogens which leads to tooth loss in people with gum disease.