If you find blood on your toothbrush, even when brushing your teeth gently, you could be suffering from gum disease. This is an inflammation of the gums caused by unhealthy bacteria that live under plaque.

It can be found between the gaps in the gums and the teeth and on the teeth themselves. Additional symptoms of gingivitis may include but are not exclusive to a bright red or shiny appearance of the gums, receding gums, and gums that are tender when touched.

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease. This infection is able to destroy the supporting tissue of the teeth if it is left unattended. Unfortunately, the situation worsens, a person’s teeth may become loose. Once the situation has gone too far, teeth can come out. This is a shame because we don’t currently have a way to replace living teeth.

There is mounting evidence from medical research that gum disease may make people more prone to heart disease, some cancers, stroke and other disease. Our bodies were not made to respond to long term inflammatory problems which is what gum disease can often mean to a person who doesn’t know they have it or is unable to rid themselves of it.

The dental plaque accumulates in the gaps between the teeth and gums and after a while forms calculus. This means apart from a normal brushing routine, you seek the professional assistance of a dental hygienist or dentist to remove the plaque and tartar by professional cleaning.

Professional dental cleaning is normally recommended every 6 months. In the case of gum disease, you may want one every 3 months. Sometimes, it may even be helpful to get a professional cleaning every two months.

If you exhibit any of the signs of gingivitis, you should take action, including contacting a periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. Try to avoid alcohol mouthwash. Periodontists have more advanced training and experience with gum health and disease.