There are different brands with specific instructions for their use last thing at night to gain the maximum benefit. Gums which are healthy do not bleed when teeth are brushed. The gums form a tight cuff around teeth. Plaque builds up on teeth and at the gum margin. Bacterial plaque releases toxins which irritate the gum and cause inflammation.
Gums become red, puffy and slightly swollen.
At this stage gum disease is not painful and may pass unnoticed but you may notice blood on the toothbrush or when rinsing. Bleeding is often the first sign of gum disease. If gingivitis is allowed to progress, the supporting structures of the tooth are damaged and inflammation may reach the jaw bone. This stage may still be painless. Plaque will continue to form in the pocket between tooth and gum and as the disease progresses, the gum may shrink away from the tooth exposing part of the root.