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February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month, and here at Lockwood Family Dental, we’re excited to shine a light on the importance of gum health! While most people think of their teeth when they hear oral health, your gums play an equally crucial role. Without healthy gums, your teeth would lack the support they need, leading to potential tooth loss.
The issue with gum disease is that it’s not just an oral health problem—it can affect your whole body. Gum disease (an infection of the gum tissue) has been linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy. By prioritizing gum health, you’re also supporting your overall health. Gum disease occurs when oral bacteria thrive in the mouth, leading to inflammation and infection. Left unchecked, the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream, impacting organs and other areas of your body.
Daily brushing and flossing are key to removing harmful plaque from your teeth and gums, significantly improving both your tooth and gum health.
Are Your Gums Healthy?
In the earliest stage, gum disease is known as gingivitis, and without treatment, it progresses to periodontal disease. Maintaining your gum health requires consistent daily oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings and exams at Lockwood Family Dental. Our biannual cleanings effectively remove tartar (hardened plaque), which cannot be removed at home.
In between visits, it’s important to stay alert to the warning signs of gum disease.
7 Signs of Gum Disease
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bright red or bleeding gums
- Tooth sensitivity or pain
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus or sores in the mouth
- Receding gums
What Causes Gum Disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which allows harmful bacteria to build up and damage your gums and teeth. However, other factors can contribute to gum disease, including:
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Crowded or misaligned teeth that are hard to clean
- Hormonal changes
- Oral cancer
- Chronic dry mouth due to mouth breathing
- High-stress levels
- A diet high in sugar and starch
- Poor diabetes control
- Skipping regular dental visits
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Protecting your gum health and preventing gum disease is all about improving your daily habits. Here’s how you can keep your gums in top shape:
- Brush: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Wait about 30 minutes after meals to avoid wearing down enamel.
- Floss: Flossing removes debris between the teeth and along the gumline that brushing alone can’t reach. Floss once daily to keep your gums clean and healthy.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule dental cleanings and exams every six months to prevent gum disease. If you notice any signs of gum disease or experience discomfort, call Lockwood Family Dental right away.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients supports gum and overall oral health. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, and rinse your mouth with water after eating if brushing isn’t an option.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco use is a major contributor to gum disease. Quitting can dramatically improve your gum health.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your gums and teeth cleaner.
- Manage Stress: High-stress levels can affect your body’s immune response, making it harder to fight off gum infections.
What to Do if You Have Gum Disease
If you’re already dealing with gum disease, don’t worry—there are effective treatments available to restore your gum health:
- Professional cleaning and exam: Early intervention can reverse gingivitis.
- Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.
- Gum pocket reduction surgery: Reduces the size of deep gum pockets caused by advanced gum disease.
- Gum graft: A procedure to replace damaged gum tissue.
- Medications: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, medicated toothpaste, or mouthwash.
- Root canal therapy: In severe cases, root canal therapy may be necessary to save affected teeth.
At Lockwood Family Dental, we are here to help you maintain your oral health, especially your gums. This National Gum Disease Awareness Month, take action to protect your smile by prioritizing your gum health! If you have any concerns or notice signs of gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.
