How Are Your Gums? It’s National Gum Care Month!
Are your gums bleeding and swollen? This can be a warning sign of gum disease. The month of September kicks off a national campaign to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease. The staff at Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS office wants to do our part to instruct and teach our patients how to fight gum disease, which will improve your oral health! Roughly 65 million American adults live with some form of gum disease. The purpose of the National Gum Care Month is to focus attention on gum disease and to raise awareness of how people can take better care of their gums.
Awareness will help adults learn how to take care of their gums so they don’t suffer from the pain of gingivitis with the potential for tooth loss. Your gums safeguard your teeth by shielding the sensitive roots. If your gums are not taken care of properly, they can cause harm and put your teeth at risk for serious problems. This can also have a negative impact on your overall health.
- Gum disease is typically more prevalent in older people, but it can also affect children.
- Gum disease is transmittable; sharing a glass, eating utensils or a kiss can spread gum disease-causing bacteria to another person.
- Gum disease should not be taken lightly; it is linked to heart disease, stroke, oral cancer, preterm birth, and stillborn deaths.
Simple Ways to Improve the Health of Your Gums
Brush Twice a Day
The importance of brushing your teeth and gums at least twice a day cannot be underestimated. Brushing your teeth helps clean the whole mouth of disease-causing bacteria, which keeps your teeth healthy and strong. Brushing also toughens the gums to help them become more resistant to disease. Don’t be too aggressive when brushing your teeth. Use a soft bristle brush, and brush gently to avoid damaging your gums.
Floss At Least Once a Day
Establish a time after brushing your teeth at night to floss. Flossing will rid your teeth of debris and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach and is considered to be the most important factor in improving the health of your gums. Brushing your teeth is vital, but brushing alone can’t reach the tiny particles of food lodged between your teeth or into the gum line at the base of the teeth. If you want to protect the health of your gums, flossing is mandatory.
Symptoms of Gum Disease:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding caused by brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Changes in tooth alignment
- Signs of infection at the gum line
- Ongoing bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
- Loose teeth
If you have any of these symptoms, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Evanson by calling (720) 409-0008 or contact us online. She will take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, and teach you how to improve the quality of gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.
Visit Dr. Evanson Twice a Year
Taking care of your teeth and gums at home will protect you from gum disease, but it’s critical that Dr. Evanson examines your teeth and gums at least twice a year. Digital x-rays will take a closer look at your gums for periodontal disease that may not be visible to the naked eye. Professional cleaning around your teeth can help to prevent damage to gums and the surrounding bone.
Being aware of your gum health and applying these simple tips can help to establish habits that will keep your gums healthy in the years to come.
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