Gum Disease Awareness Month
February is recognized as Gum Disease Awareness Month in an effort to make the public aware of the prevalence of the disease and the lasting effects that it can cause if left untreated. This common condition affects more than half of American adults, so there is a good chance you or a loved one may experience this condition during your lifetime.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue that mainly affects the gums but can also spread to the jawbone and lead to tooth loss. One of the biggest problems with gum disease is that it doesn’t typically have the same warning signs as other dental health issues, such as decay. The very early stages of gum disease can be difficult to detect on your own. Between appointments, it’s important to check your teeth and gums for signs of a problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have gum disease:
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Discomfort when chewing
- Tooth sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Changes to your bite
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. When you do not brush and floss your teeth properly, you increase your chances of developing plaque. Patients should brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss once a day. If you know you are not caring for your teeth as well as you should, there is no time like the present to change your ways. In addition to poor oral hygiene, other factors that can contribute to the development of gum disease include:
- Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy and menopause
- Illness and medications
- Smoking and using tobacco in general
- Family history of gum disease
If you have any questions about gum disease and how it can affect your oral health, we would love to hear from you! Looking forward to speaking with you again soon! Your favorite Monroe, WI, dentist.
