National Gum Disease Awareness Month

Did you know that February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month? Here at Maxwell Creek Family Dentistry we work daily with gums, so this makes us motivated to create awareness on how best to keep your gums healthy! Most patients think of good oral care as just about the teeth, but the gums are just as crucial because, they are what actually hold your teeth in!

Gum disease is linked to overall health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy issues. Taking good care of your gums means your overall health will improve. Gum disease develops and progresses when bacteria thrive in the mouth. It does not take long for this bacteria to spread into the oral tissues and further into the bloodstream. This can lead to disease in organs and other areas of the body. You can help to prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing regularly to remove this harmful bacterial from your teeth and gum line.

Are Your Gums in Good Shape?

Early stages of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis. Left untreated, it will continually advance until you are at the next stage called periodontal disease. To protect your gums, you will need to practice consistent oral hygiene care daily, followed by regular dental cleanings and checkups. Your routine dental cleanings remove hardened plaque (known as tartar or calculus), which can only be removed using special dental instruments. In between visits, keep an eye out for the signs of gum disease.

How To Spot Gum Disease

• Swollen or puffy gums

• Bright red or bleeding gums

• Tooth sensitivity and/or pain

• Chronic bad breath

• Loose or separating teeth

• Pus or sores in the mouth

• Receding gums

What Causes Gum Disease?

We believe that the most common cause of gum disease is habitual poor oral hygiene. Without daily prevention, oral bacteria thrive, harming your gums, teeth, and body. Neglecting your oral hygiene care is only partly responsible for inviting gum disease into your mouth. Below are of other conditions that can lead to gum disease:

• Tobacco Use

• Excessive Alcohol Use

• Crowded and Overlapping Teeth

• Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy

• Oral Cancer

• Mouth Breathing and Dry Mouth

• Chronic Stress

• A High Sugar Diet

• Diabetes

• Absence of Dental Care

What can you do to prevent gum disease or keep it from worsening?

• Brush: Brush for two minutes twice a day

• Floss: Brushing alone cannot reach everything. Be sure to floss after every meal.

• Regular Dental Visits: Regular six-month checkups are important to get rid of tartar. If you have signs of gum disease, feel pain or discomfort, please don’t wait.

• Healthy Diet: Your teeth, gums, and body thrive when you eat a balanced diet with nutritious essentials. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks that build up sticky bacteria. Rinse your mouth out with water after you eat and drink if you are not brushing right away.

  Your smile needs routine care and good habits, especially if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Call our office if you have any issues or concerns about the health of your gums 972-442-3028.