When you think of oral hygiene, do you consider your gums? “In most people’s minds, tooth brushing is focused on teeth and prevention of decay,” says dentist Robert MacGregor of Kentville, Nova Scotia. “But it’s equally important to prevent gum disease,” he says.

Periodontal or gum disease is more common than you think. The Canadian Dental Association estimates that as many as four out of five Canadians will experience gum disease. Furthermore, gum disease will become more of a problem as we get older. That’s because our gum health today depends on how well we’ve been caring for our gums all our lives.

Gum disease usually happens because of a build-up of plaque in the space between the teeth and gum tissue. If plaque isn’t properly cleaned away, it hardens over time and causes inflammation of the gums. This can lead to infection and shrinking gum tissue. If that isn’t enough to convince you to take better care of your gums, here are six more good reasons: