February is the month of love. However, in between celebrating love and presidents of old, why not show your mouth some love and observe Gum Disease Awareness Month?
Gum Disease Awareness Month recognizes good oral hygiene and its role in keeping teeth and gums healthy. The goal is to raise awareness about the prevalence of gum disease in the U.S. and the steps individuals can take to prevent and reverse this dangerous oral health condition.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an oral health condition that causes inflammation and infection in the gums or the tissue surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It is characterized by red and swollen gum tissue or gum tissue that bleeds easily. You can prevent gum disease at this stage with a good oral hygiene routine. The condition is also treatable with persistence and help from a dental practitioner.
When left untreated, gingivitis can become a more serious oral health condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when dental plaque forms on the teeth and along the gum line. This plaque contains numerous bacteria colonies that can inflame and infect the gums. The gums can slowly pull away from the teeth and form pockets where these bacteria can thrive, causing further problems. When this form of gum disease is left untreated, it can cause pain, bad breath, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
Studies show over 42 percent of adults over 30 and nearly 60 percent of adults 65 and older have some form of gum disease. Nearly 8 percent have severe periodontal disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Healthy gums should be pink and firm to the touch. Signs that you may have gum disease can include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Receding gums
- Pain
- Bad breath
- Pus
- Loose teeth
Although poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease, smoking, diabetes, stress, hormonal changes, and genetics can also elevate an individual’s risk of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gum Disease Awareness
Raising awareness about periodontal disease and how it can detrimentally impact a person’s oral and physical health is half the battle. Information empowers people to make positive changes in their oral health routine. It lets them know there are tools and resources available that can help them overcome the pain and embarrassment of dealing with gum disease and tooth loss. Ways you can prevent gum disease include:
- Good oral hygiene practices, brushing and flossing twice daily
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Avoid smoking and tobacco use
If you have gum disease, treatment options are available to help reverse the condition and treat the issues associated with receding gums, bone loss, and tooth loss. Some of the treatment options a dental practitioner may consider are:
- Scaling and root planning (deep dental cleaning)
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Bone grafting
- Gum grafting
- Platelet-rich fibrin or platelet-rich plasma treatments
A dental health professional can help you find the right treatment options.
Call Our Office for More Information on Gum Disease Awareness Month
Our compassionate team at Babylon Dental Care can help you fight against gum disease, ensuring you have something to smile about all February. Call our office today at (631) 983-6665 to schedule an appointment.
