Unhealthy, bleeding gums are definitely not attractive. However, that is precisely what becomes of your gums when your gums have become diseased.

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 foundation of your teeth. As a result of these diseases, you may experience red or bloody gums or pain in your jaw bone.

Gingivitis usually becomes periodontitis if it is not looked after. As time passes, the bacteria of plaque multipy at the base of your gums. The bacteria begin to affect the gums and your body responds by trying to fight off the plaque, but it really is hurting itself. Consequently, the bone and the gums that hold your teeth together get wrecked. Gums separate from the teeth forming spaces between the teeth and gums that become infected.

To remove the problem, the Downtown Vancouver gum disease dentist will clean up your teeth and take the trash out of the holes and ensure that your tooth roots don't have anymore bacteria hanging around.

But if you want to get rid of your gum problems for good, you will have to make some changes to accommodate your treatment. First, make sure that you floss your teeth always after you eat. I recommend using waxed dental floss. It's small enough to fit in your purse so it's at your fingertips if you eat something while you're away from home.

For best results, brush your teeth once you're done flossing. You should brush your gums as well as your teeth for two minutes. Make sure you use a little bit of pressure and don't neglect your gums. The bacteria can't hang on when faced with the toothbrush.

You should also think about using a waterpik. Try using one that has a cannula — that allows you to squirt fluid into all the little holes and gaps between your teeth. That fluid should be a mixture of warm water, salt and hydrogen peroxide.

You should know that gum disease is serious, but with the right help, it is manageable. But how successful that will be will depend on a firm trust between a Downtown Vancouver dentist and yourself.