Unhealthy, bleeding gums are definitely not attractive. And yet, you will find that you have just that when you're faced with gum disease.

You can actually lose your teeth to gingivitis and periodontitis — the most regular forms of gum disease. Those are infections caused by bacteria that eat away at the tissues your teeth are rooted in. Due to these diseases, you may find that you have blood in your mouth or a painful jaw.

Periodontitis occurs because you don't take care of your gingivitis. In due course, the base of your gums becomes full of multiplying plaque. Toxins in the plaque ultimately start to irritate the gums and in fighting the plaque, the body attacks itself. What happens next is that the tissues in your mouth are absolutely torn down and obliterated. When the gums slack off of the teeth and slink away, holes are created that are party stores for bacteria.

In an attempt to take care of this, the Warren gum disease dentist will carefully clean the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets and get all the bacteria off the root.

But beware, if your dentist gets rid of your gum disease and you don't want it to come back again, there are certain things you need to do. You need to make dental floss your new best friend and use it after each meal. It's best to use dental floss that has been waxed. Carry it in your pocket or purse so you can pull it right out if you decide to eat something and you're not at home.

Follow up the flossing with a good tooth brushing. Spend two minutes working over your gums and teeth. Slightly put pressure on your brush as you go back and forth and make sure your gums get part of the brushing. This helps to dislodge the bacteria.

Next, you can incorporate a waterpik. Try using one that has a cannula — that allows you to squirt fluid all over your gums and teeth. That way, you can also get some hydrogen peroxide and salt in with your water.

It's true that gum disease is a major problem, but the right professionals can deal with it. Whether or not you are healed totally from it will be influenced in large part by having a good bond with your Warren dentist.