It is constantly there waiting to strike and you have to take a proactive approach when dealing with this dental problem. You have heard dentists' talk about it for years.

You have heard of its potential problems at dental check-ups but do you actually know what the disease is and how you can take care of the problem. If you are not aware of gum disease or simply want to know more about it, this article is for you.

How is gum disease treated?

Gum disease is treated in two different ways: non-invasive techniques and invasive techniques. Non-invasive techniques include root planing, plaque removal and scaling. These techniques are often successful with the right treatment plan.

It does require constant monitoring and repeated visits to achieve the right gum health. Invasive, or surgical, procedures often require the doctor to go into the root pocket and eliminate the bacteria by scraping it out. It may also require soft tissue grafts to cover the already damaged areas.

What are the effects of gum disease?

The effects of gum disease may be more than not having pretty teeth. The bacteria that cause gum disease can reach other parts of the body if left untreated. If left untreated you can expect a host of other problems to arise such as tooth instability, the root of the tooth becoming infected and loss of teeth.

What are the types of gum disease?

There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the less harmful of the two. It is where the gums are swollen and bleed after brushing or flossing. Periodontitis on the other hand can lead to severe repercussions if not handled in time or correctly.

There are several different forms of periodontitis that range from aggressive periodontitis to necrotizing periodontal disease. Aggressive periodontitis is when the there is bone detachment and the tooth is actually in danger of falling out. Necrotizing periodontal disease is when the tissue of the gums actually begins to necrotize.

It can go completely down to the bone structure of the jaw if left untreated. Usually this form of periodontal disease is found in HIV patients and patients that have something wrong with their immune system.

Is it true that people who have gum disease do not brush their teeth?

That is a fallacy or rather a partial fallacy. Thirty percent of the world will develop periodontal disease due to genetics and other factors such as diabetes and certain medications. Not brushing your teeth properly or regularly can result in gum disease. It is important to use the right firmness of toothbrush, the right toothpaste and a regular brushing and flossing program to help prevent gum disease.