Gum disease can happen to anyone at any age. It is important to
protect your health by caring for your mouth, teeth and gums with
proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist. Each
family member will have special oral needs at different times of
their lives.

Over all the steps a family can take to protect their oral health
are to:

Schedule regular visits with your dentist. Most insurance
programs pay for two yearly visits at 6-month intervals.

Brush teeth on a regular basis after meals.

Floss once a day to remove food particles from between your
teeth.

Use a mouth rinse daily.

Oral problems that need special attention from your dentist or
periodontist include:

Bleeding gums while you brush

Red, swollen or tender gums

If you notice that your gums have pulled away from your teeth,
exposing more of your lower teeth.

If you or someone else notices that you have persistant bad
breath.

You notice pus between your teeth and gums.

Your teeth become loose or seem to be separating from your gums.

You notice that when you bite down your teeth seem to fit
differently.

If you wear dentures, and you notice that they fit differently,
this could be a sign of gum disease.

Always tell your dentist if you are taking any medications
because some medications can cause dry mouth, or may have other
effects on your oral health.

Unborn babies and young babies:

Certain antibiotics if used during the last half of pregnancy can
discolor a babies first teeth. Tetracycline, is one antibiotic
known to do this, so pregnant women should inform all health care
providers that they are pregnant.

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