February is the month that many of us celebrate love and Valentine’s Day, but at Parkside Dental Care, there is another event that happens in February that we feel is just as important — Gum Disease Awareness Month. February is recognized as Gum Disease Awareness Month in an effort to make the public aware about the prevalence of the disease and the lasting effects that it can cause if left untreated. Gum disease affects more than half of American adults and is when the gums become inflamed and infected.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene habits. This is one of the reasons we stress the importance of brushing teeth for two minutes twice daily and using dental floss at least once per day. This helps to remove any lingering bacteria that builds up along the gumline and around the base of the teeth. Gum disease is not easily detected and does not have warning signs, such as extreme discomfort, as decay does. This is another reason we encourage routine hygiene examinations. We not only inspect the teeth for tooth decay during these appointments, we also check for signs of gum disease.
Forms of Gum Disease
Gum disease comes in two forms — gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the more common form of gum disease experienced. It is found during the early stages of the disease and is associated with the gums appearing irritated, red and swollen. Periodontitis is the more severe form of gum disease. This stage develops when gingivitis remains untreated. When periodontitis is not treated it can cause the bone that supports the teeth to deteriorate, eventually leading to tooth loss. We offer a number of treatments to help combat gum disease such as:
- Additional professional dental cleanings
- Improved at-home oral hygiene treatments
- Antibiotic treatments
- Deep cleanings such as scaling and root planing
- Gum surgery
If you are located in the Montgomery, AL area and are concerned about the state of your gums or are in need of a routine dental examination, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
