Unhealthy, bleeding gums are definitely not attractive. And this is only what is visible when you have to contend with gum disease.

The most frequent kinds — gingivitis and periodontitis — quickly lead to tooth decay. Both are problems that destroy the undergirding of your teeth. As a result of these diseases, you may experience painful, red, and swollen gums or a problem with your jaw bone.

If you don't seek treatment for gingivitis, you'll probably end pu with periodontitis. Sooner or later, the bacteria of plaque multipy at the base of your gums. This bacteria do harm to the gums and in fighting the plaque, the body attacks itself. Because of this, your gums and jaw bone break down and are destroyed. The gums eventually break away from the teeth, leaving behind gaps that become infected.

In order to make you better, the Westland gum disease dentist will make sure your teeth are clean and then scrape away all the plaque from the gaps and get rid of all the poison that's been living in your mouth.

Although if you really want to make sure that your gum problems are cleared up for good, there are some changes you'll need to make in your life. You will need to floss after every meal. Waxed dental floss is a good idea. You can take it right with you wherever you go so that it is available if you consume any food away from home.

Once you've finished with the floss, it's time to brush your teeth. You should brush your gums as well as your teeth for two minutes. Use some pressure as you work back and forth with the brush and include the gums. This helps to dislodge the bacteria.

Then include a waterpik in your routine. I really like the ones that have a cannula — this is like a little needle that helps you pump fluid into all the little holes and gaps between your teeth. You can include a little hydrogen peroxide and/or salt in the water.

You should know that gum disease is serious, but you can have it treated and taken care of. Whether or not you are healed totally from it will be influenced in large part by trusting yourself and your care to your Westland dentist.