Gum Disease Awareness Month
In addition to celebrating Valentine’s Day and President’s Day, we want to take a moment to recognize Gum Disease Awareness Month. We recognize Gum Disease Awareness Month in February as a way to help others become more aware of this common disease. More than half of American adults are affected by gum disease. Gum disease, also commonly known as periodontal disease, is a serious gum infection that is caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. When gum disease is left untreated, it will continue to progress and can cause serious complications, such as tooth loss and deterioration of the jawbone.
What Causes Gum Disease
One of the most common causes of gum disease is the lack of a proper oral hygiene routine. We encourage our patients to be passionate about keeping their teeth and gums clean between visits to our office. The best way to do this is to brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice a day. Flossing daily is also necessary to remove any lingering food and bacteria from between the teeth and along the gumline. Using mouthwash can also help remove lingering bacteria after brushing and flossing. If you know you are not caring for your teeth as you should, there is no time like the present to change your ways. If you are unsure how to brush and floss properly, we would love to help you during your next appointment.
Signs of Gum Disease
Although there can be slight signs that you may be experiencing a problem with your gums, many people do not realize they have gum disease until it is diagnosed in our office. This is one of the reasons we stress the importance of routine oral hygiene examinations. If you are between appointments, it is important to look for warning signs such as:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sudden change in your bite
- Teeth that feel loose
If you are in Kaufman, TX or the surrounding area and have any questions about gum disease or need an appointment, please contact our office today. We look forward to working with you to improve your oral health!
