February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time for us to talk a little bit about preventive dental care to prevent gum disease from taking hold in your mouth. Also called periodontal disease, gum disease starts small and progressively worsens. The main culprit is bacteria found in dental plaque which inflames and eventually infects your gum tissues. Over time this causes the gum tissue to pull away from your teeth. Eventually, untreated periodontal disease can leave you with lost bone density and tooth loss from gum tissue recession.
Gum Disease Facts
According to the CDC, periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to a person’s oral health:
CDC Oral Health Conditions.
-47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease
-Increases with age – 70.1% of adults 65 years and older battle periodontal disease
-More common in men than women (56.4% vs 38.4%)
-More common in people living below the federal poverty level (65.4%)
-More common in current smokers (64.2%)
Gingivitis vs Periodontitis
The early stage of gum disease, or gingivitis, is actually fairly easy to remedy, and of course, the best approach is to practice prevention, and barring that, taking steps early to combat gingivitis before it progresses and destroys vital gum tissue. This is where your routine dental visits make all the difference. At your dental exams we can detect gum disease in the early stages where we can help you turn it around and reverse it!
When working on actively preventing gum disease, it’s important to know the warning signs:
-Bad breath or a persistently foul taste in the mouth
-Red or swollen gums
-Tender or bleeding gums
-Pain when chewing
-Loose teeth
-Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold
-Noticeable gum tissue pulling away from your teeth
-Changes in your bite (how your teeth come together)
-Changes in the fit of partial dentures
Preventing Gum Disease
-Brush teeth twice a day or after every meal.
-Use an electric toothbrush.
-Use a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush head.
-Change your toothbrush every three months.
-Floss every day.
-Use a recommended mouthwash.
-Visit our dentist annually.
-Don’t smoke (or chew tobacco).
-Limit sugary foods and beverages.
Treating Gum Disease
Treating gum disease depends on the stage it is in. We may recommend extra professional dental cleanings, boosting your at-home hygiene routine, taking antibiotics, having a deep cleanings, or even gum surgery. Our goal is to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile with strong teeth and gums. If you suspect gum disease, we urge you to give us a call and let us help. Our Valley View Dental team has three convenient locations to choose from – Romeoville, Naperville, and Montgomery, Illinois Valley View Dental locations. Call today!