Tooth decay and gum disease are largely caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating, and whether this plaque is not removed thoroughly each day, tooth decay will flourish. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar.

Plaque and tartar lead to many problems arise:

* Dental Caries: holes that damage the tooth structure.
* Gingivitis: inflammation, swelling and bleeding of the gums.
* Periodontitis: destruction of the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, often leading to the loss.
* Bad breath (halitosis)
* Abscesses, pain, inability to use teeth
* A variety of problems outside the mouth, from premature births to heart disease

Healthy teeth are clean and have no cavities. Healthy gums are pink and firm. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, follow these steps:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after each meal and at the time of going to bed.
* Use dental floss at least once a day.
* Schedule an appointment with a dentist for a routine cleaning and examination. Many dentists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months.
* Keep dentures, retainers and other appliances clean. This includes regular brushing and soaking them in a cleaning solution.

Ask your dentist:

* What toothbrush you should use and where are located the problem areas.
* How to properly floss as improper or too vigorous may injure the gums.
* If you must wear special appliances or tools, such as water irrigation or electric toothbrushes. These can sometimes complement, not replace, brushing and using dental floss.
* If you could benefit from the use of certain toothpastes or mouth rinses. In some cases, toothpastes and mouthwashes counter they can cause you more harm than good, depending on the condition.

Regular cleaning of teeth by a dentist removes plaque that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult to achieve for yourself. Professional cleaning includes scaling and polishing, which involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from teeth. The routine examination may include dental x-rays.

During this time, gums may become swollen, turn red and can be very sensitive. Some women experience symptoms similar to 3 to 4 days before your period, also due to increased amount of progesterone in the system.

Occasionally, some women experience menstruation gingivitis. This condition is marked by bleeding gingival (gum) a bright red swelling of the gums between the teeth or sores inside the cheeks. Menstruation gingivitis usually occurs just before the period of women and disappears once your period has begun. These conditions and symptoms tend to decrease as soon descend amount of hormones.

However it is very important to maintain proper oral hygiene during these hormonal fluctuations, even in the home and professional dental care, so that bone and tissue surrounding the teeth are not damaged. In some cases, periodontal therapy may be recommended to ensure that your periodontal health is the best.

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria and toxins that are found in bacterial plaque on teeth, is a sticky film, Yellowish White that constantly forms on teeth. The buildup of this plaque can lead to the initial form of the disease, gingivitis. During this stage, the gum tissue is having inflammation, turn red and bleed easily, causing little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversible receiving professional periodontal treatment and good home with good oral hygiene technique. Without this attention, the question will be in risk of developing more severe forms of periodontal disease.

Although plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, other factors that may affect the health of your gums and bone supporting the teeth. Such as smoking and snuff consumption, stress, medications and diabetes and other general health problems, poor nutrition, hormonal fluctuations can also increase the risk of developing certain types of periodontal disease and accelerate the disease. In addition, you may be genetically prone to periodontal disease.