Through the seasons, you should always take a strong personal interest in your oral health. Health issues, and in particular gum disease can be better managed when you maintain a daily regimen of brushing and flossing.

Periodontal Disease (pronounced: per-ee-oh-don-tul) is a disease of both the gums and bone. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum, and periodontitis is bone loss, usually of the jaw which can lead to breaking down your gums and the structures supporting your teeth. Red or swollen gums, gums that easily bleed during brushing, flossing, or cleaning are clear warning signs of gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of that nasty element which clogs arteries: plaque. Oral plaque contains germs which give off toxins which damage your gums and jaw bones.

Gum disease comes with specific warning signs such as:

Red or swollen gum tissue

When you Bite you notice that Your Teeth do not fit like the used to

Your Gums Easily Bleed when you Brush or Floss

Easy to Bleed Gums

Bad Taste

A change in the way your teeth fit together when biting

Bad breath that wont go away even when you do brush

Some people do not know they have gum disease because they do not show any sign. Periodontal disease is usually painless and easily overlooked. It can be passed from person to person by a simple kiss. But, your heart and lungs can be negatively impacted by gum disease. If you are diabetic or pregnant you can have further health concerns.

As you now know, plaque is the primary agent in gum disease. However here are several other contributors to the disease:

Your Family History

Sicknesses

Tobacco Products

General Disregard Oral Hygiene

Family Health

Your own DNA

Its important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Gum disease and other oral diseases can be remedied more easily when they are detected early. Examinations for gum disease usually include radiographs, and gum measurements. Most dentists use a tiny ruler called a probe to measure the space between your tooth and gum during their gum disease exam.

Todays dentist office uses a Diode Laser to zap gum disease tissue and eradicate the bacteria causing the gum disease in the first place. Many see a super difference after their first treatment with a laser.

Your major arsenal in fighting and preventing gum disease is the good old tooth brush and floss. When you use your tooth brush and floss daily, and as frequently as needed, you will reduce your exposure to the risk of gum disease.

In addition to the tooth brush and floss you can also use an interproximal brush ” those tiny toothbrushes used to clean between your teeth, rubber tipped stimulator as well as a tongue scraper all work to better manage your oral health.

Gum disease is destructive and affects not only your gums and oral tissues, but also affects your entire body.

You can reverse your gum disease by visiting your dentist for regular cleanings in addition to your daily routine of brushing and flossing. You can reduce your risk, or severity of gum disease by changing your lifestyle:

If you Smoke - Stop

Prescription medications

Exercise to Reduce Stresses

Do not Smoke or Use Tobacco Products

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently published a link between health issues and gum disease. They said that the bacteria in gum disease can lead to more health issues, serious health problems like heart disease and stroke, in addition to diabetes.