Too much plaque causes your gums to bleed. Bacteria creates plaque. Bacteria grow in your mouth because of the small particles of food that find their way inbetween our gums and teeth.

Brushing takes care of the vast majority of the food fragments. Mouthwash removes the germs and gives you sanitary gums.

You should look for a mouthwash that has something that kills germs. Many of the mouthwashes you can buy just act like air fresheners. Once the fragance has faded, your halitosis comes back with an attitude.

Gum infection may not be that big of a thing to people who don't suffer from health problems. But anyone who has a weak immune system will tell you, the small things count. For them, averting gum infection could mean keeping out of the hospital. Or extending the number of years they have to live. Gum disease could be associated with heart attacks, some investigators have said.

Though brushing is fundamentally a good thing for gums, excess brushing may virtually corrode the gums and disconnect them from their proper place in the mouth. This leaves more space for food to bunch up. More food equals more bacteria. That's when you get gum infections.

When the bottom parts of the teeth are bare, they get all dried up from the mouthwash, because a lot of today's mouthwash is made with alcohol. Alcohol dissolves like the wind, taking tooth moisture with it. This can initiate painful tooth sensitivity.

When the gums are bleeding and too much of the tooth is uncovered, I advocate for the placement of dental veneers immediately to have them covered. Stop by my Westland office and we will be able to foil any impending gum disease and sensitive teeth in just two visits. In Westland gum disease is something I deal with repeatedly.