You may have the warning signs of Gingivitis!

Bad breath may also be present due to inadequate oral hygiene.

For this example, let's start with a perfectly healthy mouth. Instantly after being cleaned, a clear sticky layer forms on the teeth. This layer of film is called the Pellicle. Hours later, plaque forms and adheres to the pellicle layer. Each time food is eaten, the bacteria in plaque produce toxins that are irritating to the gum tissue. If, over time, the plaque is not removed, it turns to tarter. Additional plaque will stick to the tartar as the process continues. The bacteria presence and toxins create red, swollen, irritated gums. This response is actually blood and bacteria fighting cells moving toward the source of the irritation in the gum tissue.

What's the good news?

The good news is that gingivitis is 100% reversible as long as the teeth are properly cleaned and the irritants are removed. This is why it is generally recommended that most people have their teeth cleaned and examined at least two times each year.

Within days after the professional cleaning, the gum tissue will return to a healthy, pink, firm texture. Plaque free conditions must be maintained through proper brushing and flossing or symptoms may return.

What's the bad news?

The bad news is that if this disease is not remedied, the condition will progress. The advance to a more serious degree of periodontal disease is signified by lose of the bone(alveolar bone) that holds the teeth in place. Unlike gingivitis, bone loss can not be reversed. How do you cure

Gingivitis? *Brush at least 3 times each day. *Floss once each day. *Visit your dentist twice per year for regular cleanings and checkups. *Rinse once each day for 1 minute with Listerine. The ingredients in Listerine are approved by the American Dental Association to kill bacteria responsible for causing gingivitis.