With our incredibly busy lifestyles it is virtually impossible to take into account everything that either needs to be done or should be done on a daily basis. Those things that require less immediate action in the present, such as retirement planning and gingivitis tend to receive less attention from us.

In addition, gum disease is something that most people don't think about until it becomes obvious that they have it. Therefore, they don't become aware that their oral care routine is not adequate until gum recession, loose teeth or other problems show up.

Unfortunately, once gum disease has gotten a foot hold it is harder to get rid of it. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure in the case of gum disease.

There can be other factors that contribute to the problem as well. If you grind your teeth, this excessive force can put tremendous mechanical pressure on the supporting structure of your gums and teeth and weaken that structure. This makes it easier for gum disease to progress.

If you have crooked teeth, the plaque that forms a nice home for bacteria finds places to exist that your daily care routine may not be able to reach. Straight teeth are important for more reasons than just having a pretty smile. Unfortunately, I myself have suffered from gum disease, and it is hard to arrest the progress in places where the teeth are not straight. It is relatively easier to get to the places of my mouth where the teeth are not crowded together.

Flossing is very important, but I've found that flossing is not enough to prevent plaque build up and calculus formation on my teeth and near my gums, for whatever reason. It remains a mystery to me. However, I believe that I am not alone in this. I've read stories of others who have taken excruciatingly good care of their teeth and could not stop the progression via regular flossing and brushing.

I've spend a great deal of time to find tools that would help me fight gum disease and prevent its progress. Some tools have more value than others.

Unfortunately, if the information provided by our professionals was adequate to prevent gum disease, then the statistics would not be so horrendous. Most quip that as much as 75% of people over thirty-five have some sort of gum disease. The Mayo Clinic website said that 80% of adult Americans are afflicted in some way.

With this prevalence of gum disease, not much needs to be said. You can ponder for yourself whether regular brushing and flossing are enough to prevent this problem.