Do your gums ever bleed when you’re brushing or flossing? Are they sometimes tender or puffy? You may have gum disease. This disease affects around 80% of Americans at some point in their life, making it an incredibly common problem that rarely gets the spotlight. That’s why February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month, an effort to raise awareness about gum disease and its effects. Keep reading to learn about gum disease, its symptoms, and whether you need gum disease therapy in Hiram.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of your gums and tissue that support your teeth. Typically caused by plaque and tartar buildup, the beginning stages of gum disease can be reversed by a good oral healthcare routine and regular dental visits. If the disease persists, it can lead to damage of your gums, bone, and even tooth loss.
Additionally, recent studies have linked gum disease to an increased risk of more serious oral health issues like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Also, this disease can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and heart-related issues by 20%.
What Are the Symptoms?
Because the earliest stage of gum disease can be reversed, it’s important to recognize some of the most common warning signs:
- Red or puffy gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Tender or sensitive gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth that appear longer
More advanced symptoms include loose teeth, changes in bite, and noticeable deep pockets beneath your teeth. If you recognize any of these symptoms, contact your dentist for periodontal therapy in Hiram right away.
What is Periodontal Therapy?
Your dentist offers periodontal therapy to keep your gums healthy when they are infected and inflamed. Using a process called scaling and root planing, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from above and below your gumline. Then, they will smooth out your tooth roots to make it harder for plaque to collect under your gums in the future. Your dentist also may recommend antibiotics and even a soft-tissue laser, but your treatment will depend on the condition of your oral health.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Thankfully, gum disease can be prevented through a good oral healthcare routine. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid poor lifestyle habits like heavy use of alcohol, smoking, or tobacco use because these are some leading risk factors of gum disease.
Who knew that your gums could have an affect on the rest of your mouth and body? Visit your dentist to get your gums checked out for National Gum Disease Awareness Month.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, we have a team of 3 dentists who take pride in caring for the patients in their community. They understand the risks of gum disease, which is why they offer gum disease treatment at their practice. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (770) 445-6606.
