Gum Care Aware: What to Know for Gum Disease Awareness Month

Did you know that gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States? In honor of Gum Disease Awareness Month, we wanted to share some important facts about gum disease with our readers. This type of disease can be a serious problem, so it’s important to be aware of the risks and symptoms. Keep reading for more information on this infection and how to protect yourself. 

Gum Disease Awareness Month: Understanding the Disease

Gum disease is a general term for all kinds of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. The most common symptoms of this infection include red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. It may also lead to receding gums (a sore, red pocket of exposed tooth underneath the gum line). If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss; it also increases your risk for heart disease and diabetes.

The four main types of gum diseases are:

1) Gingivitis – inflammation of your gums caused by plaque buildup along the gum line

2) Periodontitis – a more severe form of gingivitis that causes damage to your gums and bone, eventually leading to tooth loss

3) Advanced periodontitis – a severe version of periodontitis where the jawbone atrophies due to chronic infection, causing teeth to become loose and eventually fall out

4) Endodontic disease – a chronic infection in your tooth’s root and surrounding tissues, caused by bacteria that frequently enter through the soft tissue of your gums. This causes bone loss and makes the tooth loose and eventually fall out.

How do you get gum disease?

Gum disease is most often associated with poor oral hygiene, but also is linked with several other factors. Among them are smoking, stress, hormonal changes that accompany menopause, diabetes and even genetics. As many as 85% of Americans have gum disease and some aren’t even aware of it.

Periodontal disease risk often increases with age. The CDC explains that 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have this mouth-altering disease.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Most adults who have milder forms of this disease don’t have any noticeable symptoms until more significant problems arise. However, if you notice any of the following, make an appointment with your dentist right away:

• Red or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Teeth that are loose or separating from the jawbone
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
• Receding gums, producing more visible roots on your teeth
• Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

How is gum disease treated?

Many times, early forms of gum disease can be stopped before significant damage has occurred. Gingivitis, for example, can often be relieved by simply brushing and flossing more regularly and with proper technique. This maintenance treatment involves regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist to monitor the condition of your gums and the health of your teeth. With more advanced forms of gum disease, removal or scaling and root planing can be done as a first step. If the problem continues, gum surgery may also be necessary.

What you should do:

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss once daily, and ask your dentist for other tips on how to keep your mouth healthy.
• See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
• Be aware of risk factors in your lifestyle, such as smoking or diabetes, which can negatively impact the condition of your gums.
• Practice stress-relieving activities. Stress can be a major contributor to gum disease.

Gum Disease Awareness Month: The Stats

• Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the hard and soft structures that support the teeth.
• This disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
• Tooth loss may affect the ability to chew food and can get worse with the number and type of missing teeth—affecting a person’s diet quality.
• Diabetes, tobacco use, a weakened immune system, and poor oral hygiene all increase a person’s risk for this disease.
• Mild cases can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms can also be treated successfully with consultation and treatment.

Gum Disease Awareness Month: Lower Your Risk with Stonebrook Family Dental

Please visit Dr. Kevin Varley and Stonebrook Family Dental regularly to check for early signs of oral disease, and keep up with your regular cleanings and dental exams. To get more information on how you can prevent and treat gum disease, make an appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental today!