Gum Care Awareness Month
September - Gum Awareness Month
Get involved in this little-known celebration month by visiting your dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible! Although many people are unaware of the fact, healthy gums are inextricably linked to their good physical health, and poor gum health has been linked to serious physical diseases such as diabetes and dementia, among others. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in those who are 35 and older. Don't be one of these statistics. Schedule a dental appointment today so you can improve your dental hygiene routine as well as ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible now.
How Do I Ensure Good Gum Health for Life?
Maintaining good gum health is as simple as maintaining good oral hygiene, which includes regular dental exams and cleanings. We also recommend an oral cancer screening for everyone who is at least 18. The screening isn't invasive. Your dentist will perform the screening during your dental exam. Unfortunately, oral cancer is on the rise and a screening could help save your life.
Maintaining healthy gums starts with good oral hygiene, which includes brushing at least twice each day, flossing at least once daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. These are the minimum standards recommended by the ADA, but ideally, you should brush and floss after each meal and snack.
If that's not an option, then rinse your mouth well with clear water and brush and floss when circumstances permit. Rinsing will remove any residual food particles and bacteria from between your teeth and gums and prevent them from eroding your tooth enamel and starting decay and infection.
What Do I Need for Good Oral Health?
Maintaining good oral health starts with equipment you probably already own, such as a soft-bristled toothbrush that's appropriately sized for your mouth, good toothpaste, dental floss – traditional floss, floss picks, or a flosser – and an antibacterial mouthwash. The mouthwash is optional, but it helps remove residual bacteria that may lurk on the rough surface of your tongue. Just be sure all your dental products carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, so you know you're using a quality product.
How Do You Know When You Have Gum Disease?
Despite the quality of your good oral hygiene habits, you may develop gum disease at some point. Fortunately, it usually doesn't appear without symptoms, so if you notice any of the following, you may have gum disease:
- Areas of inflammation or irritation on your gums
- Areas of infection or pus between your teeth
- Bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth
- Gums pulling away from your teeth
- Loosened teeth or oddly spaced gaps between your teeth
- Minor bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Swollen, red, or sensitive gums
If you have one or more of the above, you should make a dental appointment without delay.
What Happens If I Have Gum Disease?
Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, and if you have gum disease, they'll formulate a treatment plan. They'll also provide you with tips to prevent a recurrence, so if you have any of the symptoms, don't delay in seeking treatment because your dentist is the best ally in your efforts to maintain healthy gums.
Call today to meet with a qualified dentist in Connecticut and ensure your gum health for life!
Does Gum Disease Have Different Stages?
There are three stages of gum disease, but only the initial stage of gingivitis is curable and any damage reversible. The three stages are:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is typically caused by a buildup of tartar that has caused gum inflammation. If you notice minor bleeding during your oral hygiene regimen, you probably have gingivitis. Since it can be cured at this stage, don't delay getting dental treatment, and ask your dentist for tips on preventing the recurrence of gum disease.
- Periodontitis: Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease and is the result of tartar building up on your teeth during gingivitis. Treatments include antibiotics, scaling, and root planing, but they'll only halt the progression of the disease. It cannot be cured at this point. Also, any damage done will be irreparable, and although you can restore functionality to a point, you'll need reconstructive dentistry or oral surgery. Even if you have periodontitis, you should address it promptly so that it doesn't become advanced periodontitis.
- Advanced Periodontitis: Advanced periodontitis is the third and final stage of gum disease. By this time, you'll have incurred irreparable damage to your jawbone, your facial structure, and the ligaments that secure your teeth. Most or all of your teeth will have fallen out, and your facial structure may have deteriorated so that it appears that your face has melted. Reconstructive dentistry is the only solution for restoring functionality to your gums and teeth, and you may need bone grafts and other invasive procedures to restore structural integrity to your face and jaw.
It's unfortunate that so much damage can occur from simply not brushing and flossing, but it is true. Protect your gums and your facial structure by using good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist at least annually.
Good Gum Health for a Healthy Body
Gum disease damages not only your facial structure and your teeth, but research has linked it to other serious diseases, such as:
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Stroke
It's unfortunate to think that all of this can be prevented by simple, good oral hygiene.
Need a Dental Appointment?
If it's been a while since you had a dental appointment, if you need your annual exam and cleaning, or if you have any other dental needs such as an oral cancer screening, then call Premier Dental of Connecticut at , and we can help you.
Our dentists are among the best in the Connecticut area, and we'll be sure you're comfortable during your appointment. Don't delay getting the dental treatments you need to ensure your good physical health and your longevity.
Call us today. You'll be glad you did.
