GINGIVITIS is the inflammation of the gums around the teeth due to improper cleaning of the teeth. Although systemic factors and general health can modify the tissue reactions to local irritants, gingivitis at all ages is caused primarily by local irritants. Gingivitis is nearly always reversible. The usual signs of gingivitis are gums which are swollen and bleed during brushing.

Failure to rinse the mouth after meals and brush the teeth results in a thin layer of food and bacteria covering the tooth surface. This bacterium is the chief culprit behind the inflammation known as gingivitis. The gums during this stage of infection become soft, spongy and swollen.

Bleeding gums is a serious problem. It is either indicating the beginning of the destructive process involving the supporting tissue around the tooth or some serious underlying systemic problems. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that damage the gums.

Gingivitis is one of the most common forms of gum (periodontal) disease. Gingivitis affects the tissues that surround and support your teeth. The bacteria which causes gingivitis, can turn into tartar buildup, irritate your gums and lead to bleeding. Left unchecked, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. This long-term infection can eventually cause loss of your teeth. Gum disease - not decay - is the #1 cause of tooth loss. Gum disease generally doesn’t hurt. You may have it for years before you feel discomfort.

When plaque has hardened on your teeth, it will be necessary for a dental hygienist or a dentist to scrape this material off your teeth.

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bleeding gums, gingivitis and periodontitis. Daily brushing with a manual toothbrush has been shown to have limited effectiveness in the areas between the teeth. The onset of gum disease often begins in the area between the teeth. So it is importance that these areas be cleansed of plaque on a daily basis.

Flossing is designed to effectively clean these areas. 

Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it breaks up and removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline, where periodontal disease often begins. Flossing has many health benefits.

Harvard Medical School researchers studied longevity and found one of the most important contributing factors was daily flossing. Because it removes bacteria from the teeth and gums, flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. Another study found that men with periodontitis had a whopping 72% greater risk of developing coronary disease.Gingivitis was associated with a 42% increased risk for men.

References:

1. Syrjanen J. et al: Dental infection in association with cerebral infarction in young and middle-aged men.J Intern Med 225:179-184,1989. 
2. Mattila KJ, et al: Association between dental health and acute myocardial infarction. Brit Med J 298:779-782,1989. 
3. DeStefano F, et al:Dental disease and risk of coronary heart disease and mortality. Brit Med J 306:688-691, 1993. 
4. Beck J, et al: Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. J Periodontal 67 (suppl): 1123-1137, 1996.                                                  
5. Herzberg M and Meyer M. Effects of oral flora on platelets: Possible consequences in cardiovascular disease. J Periodontal 67 (suppl);1138-1142, 1996. 
6. Shor A and Phillips J. Chlamydia pneumoniae and Atherosclerosis. JAMA 262;2071-2073, 1999. Genco, Robert et al, Contemporary Periodontics, C.V. Mosby Company, 1990, pp. 167-8, 368.

Dentists recommend using only non-fluoride toothpaste for brushing up to the age of two. This is because young children tend to swallow toothpaste and swallowing too much fluoride can lead to tooth discoloration in permanent teeth. You only need to use a small pea size amount of toothpaste on the brush. After two, fluoride toothpaste can be used on your child’s teeth. Continue to use a pea size amount and teach them to spit out the toothpaste and rinse their mouth after brushing.

As soon as you can see two teeth that touch, it is recommended to begin to floss your child’s teeth. This should be done once a day. When your child can floss on their own, they should continue to do so once a day between all teeth that touch.

Baby teeth, formally referred to as deciduous teeth are those that fall out. They appear in infants anywhere between six and ten months of age. Permanent teeth grow in after the baby teeth fall out. This process begins anywhere between five and seven years of age.

Teeth begin to form before birth and continue to do so throughout childhood. Each person has five different types of teeth: central incisor (front two upper and bottom teeth), lateral incisor (two teeth next to the upper and bottom front two teeth) canines (the pointy teeth) first molars (bottom and upper teeth in the back) and second molars (bottom and upper teeth located in the very back of your mouth). All of these various types of teeth look different from one another because they are designed to do different things.

A gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush is just as effective (and less damaging!) than a vigorous scrubbing with a stiff-bristle toothbrush.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and right before you go to bed. Dentists recommend brushing your top and bottom teeth for a minute each. Replace the toothbrush every 3 months, or even sooner if it shows signs of wear. Never share toothbrushes between children.

The foods that you eat come in contact with the germs and bacteria that live in the mouth. If you don't brush, plaque will accumulate on the teeth. Plague thrives on the starches and sugars that are found in a great deal of foods. When plaque combines with the sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks enamel on the teeth, and eventually causes decay.