What is gum disease and how can I prevent it?
Most gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque, which releases toxins that irritate the soft tissues around the teeth. In addition, gum disease can be progressive. Unfortunately, the signs of gum disease arent always easy to see and are often painless. That’s why the earlier it is caught, the easier it is to treat. Some signs of gum disease are: • Gums that bleed or are red, swollen and tender. • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth. • Pus that appears between the teeth and gums. • Teeth that are loose or have changed position. • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth To determine if you have gum disease, your dentist will probe to assess your condition. While scaling is the most common treatment, there are many prescription rinses available. Some preventative measures against gum disease are: • Brush with a toothbrush clinically proven to reduce gum disease, like Colgate Total • Prescription rinse therapy such as Colgate PerioGuard is often recommended. • See your dentist and hyg
