Did you know that February is Gum Disease Awareness Month? Along with it comes a valuable opportunity to better understand the signs, risks, and treatment options associated with gum disease.
When it comes to your dental health, sometimes it’s easy to overlook your gums when you’re taking care of your teeth. But it’s impossible to have healthy teeth without also having healthy gums. According to the CDC, about half of Americans over the age of 30 have gum disease, but many aren’t aware of the symptoms or treatments for it.
Because this month is National Gum Disease Awareness Month, we urge you to take some time to learn the risk factors and symptoms of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. We also recommend that you schedule an appointment with the caring and compassionate dental team here at Babylon Dental Care for a checkup!
What causes gum disease?
Bacteria that lingers in your mouth for too long turns into plaque, which then turns into tartar. If tartar spreads to your gumline, it can be difficult to clean, and you’ll need a professional to scrape the tartar off your gums to prevent the spread of disease.
Risk factors for gum disease, according to the CDC
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Stress
- Heredity
- Crooked teeth
- Underlying immuno-deficiencies—e.g., AIDS
- Fillings that have become defective
- Taking medications that cause dry mouth
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
Symptoms of gum disease
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
- Red, swollen, bleeding, or tender gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
How to prevent gum disease
To prevent periodontal disease, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day should protect your teeth. Visit your dentist once a year for a regular checkup and inform them of any pain you are experiencing, as this could be an early sign of gum disease.
Contact Babylon Dental Care
Gum disease might sound serious, but it is easily treatable when you make a yearly visit to your dentist. Make an appointment with the team at Babylon Dental Care to check up on the health of your gums today. Call us at (631) 983-6665 or reach out online to schedule your appointment!
