Gum Disease Awareness Month

Emergency Dentistry, General Dentistry, Parker & Pennington Dentistry

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.

Why Are Your Gums Bleeding?

General Dentistry, Parker & Pennington Dentistry, Patient Information

Have you noticed that you see pink or red when you rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth? If so, you are experiencing bleeding gums. If you notice this from time to time, we would suggest mentioning it during your next oral hygiene examination. However, if bleeding gums are a regular problem, it can indicate a problem with your oral health. Bleeding gums can be caused by:

What to Know About Gum Disease

General Dentistry

When our patients visit our office for their regular hygiene cleaning and examination every six months, their main concern is to check on the status of their teeth and learn if they are suffering from any tooth decay. While that is a valid concern, as tooth decay can lead to a number of costly issues, we also examine for the development of another disease that can cause just as many concerns – Gum Disease. This condition affects more than half of the American population, most of whom are unaware that they have this periodontal disease.