Swollen or bloody gums are not nice to look at. And this is only what is visible if you have a disease of the gums.

You can even end up losing your teeth if you have gingivitis or periodontitis. Both are problems that destroy the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place. As a result of these diseases, you may experience blood in your mouth or a painful jaw.

If you've got gingivitis and you don't do anything about it, it will likely turn into periodontitis. As time passes, plaque spreads out over the surface of your gums. It is these germs that break down the gums and your body responds by trying to fight off the plaque, but it really is hurting itself. When that happens, your mouth tissues break down and are destroyed. The teeth and the gums split causing holes that become swimming holes for bacteria.

To remove the problem, the Richmond gum disease dentist will scrub your tooth roots clean and take off all the accumulated plaque 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 also have to do your part. You need to make dental floss your new best friend and use it after each meal. Waxed dental floss is a good idea. Plan to take it with you so it's at your fingertips if you consume any food away from home.

After you're done flossing, grab your toothbrush. You should always brush for about two minutes, hitting your gums as well as your teeth. Work it back and forth and make sure your gums get part of the brushing. The toothbrush really dislocates bacteria.

Once you've built that habit, try a waterpik. I really like the ones that have a cannula — this is like a little needle that helps you pump fluid down in the gums and teeth. You'll appreciate being able to use warm water, hydrogen peroxide and salt with the cannula.

You should know that gum disease is serious, but the right professionals can deal with it. The success of that treatment relies on listening to your Richmond dentist and getting involved in your own recovery.