September is National Gum Care Month in the United States, and is a particularly important awareness month given that almost half of people aged 30 and over experience gum / periodontal disease each year.
Gingival (gum) health is the foundation for strong, healthy teeth. Periodontal disease can take its toll on your teeth and ultimately lead to tooth loss. Our goal at Reyes Dental Group is to optimize your gum health to prevent tooth loss.
Types of Gum Disease
Not all gum diseases have the same results, for example, gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease where your gums are red or inflamed. This is reversible as long as it’s treated early. Whereas periodontitis can cause more severe issues such as bone loss and tooth loss. If periodontitis is left untreated, people have been known to experience an increased risk of diabetes and stroke.
5 Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Swollen, red, painful, or bleeding gums
Receding gums
Persistent bad breath / bad taste in your mouth
Loose or mobile teeth
Pus surrounding the teeth and gums
It’s important to understand the telltale signs of gum disease so you can make an appointment with our dental office in Lorton as soon as possible. If these issues are seen promptly, the treatment options are much less invasive.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Poor diet
Genetics
Crowded teeth that are hard to keep clean
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Everyone should take the following precautions, particularly if you fall into any of these risk factor categories.
Brushing and flossing daily — at least twice a day but ideally after every meal.
Visiting your Lorton dentist — at least twice a year for an exam and professional cleaning to ensure there is no plaque and calculus buildup.
Quit bad habits — such as smoking or a diet high in sugar.
Dr. Reyes and the team are highly trained in noticing early signs of gum disease that you may not spot at home. Therefore it’s important you don’t put off your dental visits as this could cause more intervention down the line. Our team is equipped to deal with any anxieties around visiting the dentist and is dedicated to making your experience a smooth and comfortable one. If you have any questions or concerns about gum disease, please reach out to our team.
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