Gum Disease Awareness Month
February is a month where the signature color seems to be red in honor of Valentine’s Day. The decor and decorations in stores and restaurants are full of red and hearts. One place where it is concerning if you see red is your gums. Red and swollen gums can be an indication that you have gum disease. February is recognized as Gum Disease Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public about the prevalence of the disease and the lasting effects that it can have if left untreated. Gum disease affects more than half of American adults, so there is a chance that you or a loved one may suffer from this condition at some point in your life.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue that mainly affects the gums but can also spread to the jawbone and lead to tooth loss. One of the biggest problems with periodontal disease is that it doesn’t typically have the same warning signs as other dental health issues, such as decay. It is important to regularly check your teeth and gums for anything that looks and feels wrong. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have gum disease:
- Bad breath
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Discomfort when chewing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Changes to your bite
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene habits. This is one of the reasons we stress the importance of brushing teeth for two minutes twice daily and using dental floss at least once per day. This helps to remove any lingering bacteria that build up along the gumline and around the base of the teeth. In addition to properly cleaning your teeth, regular oral hygiene examination appointments are necessary. During these visits, we clean up the plaque that has developed along the gumline. We can also recommend immediate treatment if we notice gum disease.
If you are in Jacksonville Beach, FL or the surrounding area and are concerned about the state of your gums or need a routine dental examination, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
