Follow the simple steps below to ensure you brush properly every day, and an overview of periodontal disease including the symptoms and various degrees of severity.

A.  Proper brushing Techniques

1.  Always use a soft - medium bristled toothbrush
2.  Use anti-cavity Fluoride toothpaste
3.  Hold toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line, brushing in a circular motion.  This sweeps plaque out of the gingival (gum) pocket
4. Brush teeth for a minimum of two minutes at least twice a day.
5.  Brush gums and tongue along with your teeth.
6.  Don’t brush too hard because this can cause gingival (gum) recession.

B.  Proper flossing technique and the reason for flossing

1.  Use an arms length (18 inches) of floss.  Wrap around fingers mostly to one side.
2.  Floss each tooth forming a “C” shape with the floss each time.
3.  A new area of floss should be introduced into each gingival pocket.
4.  Don’t forget to floss behind your last molar.
5.  Flossing removes plaque from behind your teeth that brushing misses.
6.  Flossing helps prevent periodontal disease by removing plaque.

C.  Types of oral disease and ways they can easily be   prevented:

a)  Brushing and flossing
b)  Fluoride rinse from your dentist if he or she recommends it for you
c)  Reduce your carbohydrate intake along with simple sugars
d)  Some fruits are more acidic than others (oranges and tomatoes are  some)
e)  Visiting a SDSU alumnus dentist for two cleanings each year.

2.  Periodontal Disease

a)  Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is completely  curable.

1.  Bleeding gingival tissue while brushing teeth
2.  Red puffy gingival tissue
3.  May be sensitive to touch
4.  Bad breath (Halitosis)

b)  Mild Periodontal disease (pocket dept ~ 4mm)

1.  Recession of gingival tissue
2.  May be sensitive to hot and cold liquids or foods
3.  Root exposed due to gingival recession
4.  Slight bone loss

c)  Moderate Periodontal Disease (pocket depth ~ 5-6mm)

1.  Further recession of gingival tissue
2.  Usually large amounts of plaque and calculus build up
3.  Dental caries may form on root surface
4.  Bone loss and periodontal ligament detachment

d)  Advanced Periodontal Disease (pocket depth ~ 7-9mm)

1.  Teeth could be loose
2.  Puss maybe within gingival pocket
3.  Major bone loss along with damaged periodontal ligaments.

e)  Treatments