February is Gum Disease Awareness Month
February is Gum Disease Awareness Month
February is “Gum Disease Awareness Month”, and since nearly 65 million Americans have some form of gum disease, this is an effort to raise public awareness of how to prevent it.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of gum disease, but if left untreated it can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth and can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Although the symptoms of gum disease can vary for each person, they often include:
- Inflammation in the form of red or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gums that are tender or painful to the touch
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth or receding gums
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS right away. If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious problems such as abscess and infection, tooth loss or even cardiovascular disease.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated with Gum Disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are several risk factors for gum disease. Common risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Stress
- Aging
- Hormonal changes in girls and women
- Crooked teeth
- Underlying immune-deficiencies or illnesses such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS and cancer
- Fillings that have become defective
- Taking medications that cause dry mouth
- Female hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
- Obesity
- Inadequate nutrition
- Vitamin C deficiency
Genetics can also increase your risk of developing gum disease due to certain bacteria being part of your body’s natural makeup.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to pay close attention to your oral hygiene and have regular dental appointments at least every six months.
What Can I do to Prevent Gum Disease?
There are ways to prevent gum disease:
- Good oral hygiene every day is the most important step to prevent gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and floss at least once a day.
- Quit smoking! Smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease, and it makes the condition more difficult to treat.
- Diabetes and other medical conditions can increase your risk to develop gum disease, so avoid plaque and tartar buildup with good oral habits. A professional cleaning every six months can remove hardened plaque buildup and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
- A healthy well-balanced diet will keep your teeth strong and help them stay healthy.
- Avoid sugary drinks and snacking between meals.
Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
If you have gum disease, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Dr. Evanson will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your individual situation. The treatment you will need depends on the severity of your gum disease and any associated problems. Some treatments include:
- Professional cleaning to remove plaque from your teeth and gums.
- Laser scaling and root planing, a non-surgical approach to treat gum disease with lasers and other techniques for treatment of advanced gum disease.
Although there are ways to treat gum disease, it is best to prevent it from happening by practicing good oral hygiene.
Now That You’re Aware of Gum Disease Make An Appointment
If you are concerned that you have gum disease, make an appointment by calling (720) 409-0008, or contact us online to see Dr. Evanson sooner than later. She will help you get on the right track in caring for your teeth and gums.
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