Healthy gums do not bleed. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss then you have the first sign of gum disease. In this stage, the gums are red, swollen and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis and can be reversible through successful plaque removal, which can shrink the swollen gums and stop the bleeding.
If the plaque is not removed, the infection progresses and results in periodontal or gum disease. If untreated, the underlying gum attachment begins to breakdown, resulting in a periodontal pocket.
As the pockets become deeper, treatment is even more difficult. Brushing and flossing cannot reach plaque located in deep pockets. The remaining plaque bacteria continue to release toxins that further damage the bone and supporting structures of the teeth.
Signs of progressive gum disease are chronic bad breath and red, swollen, tender bleeding gums that have become loose and pull away from the teeth. Since the infection has spread to the underlying bone at this stage, the teeth become loose and there may be a change in the way the teeth fit together when biting.
The key to preventing gum disease is keeping the mouth clean and healthy with daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth. The Sonicare is a highly effective power toothbrush that has been clinically proven to significantly remove plaque and reverse gingivitis.
|