February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, a month for spreading the word about this serious yet preventable condition. With the right prevention methods and early detection and treatment, you can avoid the long-term complications associated with gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums by bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria are always present, but they can grow out of control due to a lack of oral hygiene and dental care. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, which can progress into a more damaging disease.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease prevention starts with good brushing and flossing. This helps reduce bacteria levels to stop gum disease from taking hold. Routine visits to the dentist are vital as well because teeth cleaning removes harmful plaque deposits that hold bacteria.
The Consequences of Gum Disease
In the earliest stages, gum disease can cause bad breath as well as inflamed gums that are sore and visibly red. You may experience bleeding when brushing and flossing. As the condition spreads, it can eventually lead to the jaw bone and tooth loss.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Gum Disease?
When detected early enough, your dentist will likely recommend improving your oral hygiene routine. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria below the gumline and smooth tooth surfaces to provide less hold for the bacteria. Surgical intervention can remove bacteria deep below the gumline for more serious cases.
Take Care of Your Gums
You can take care of your gums with an effective brushing and flossing routine along with visits to David W. Piper, DMD. For early detection and professional teeth cleaning in Florida you need to prevent and manage gum disease by reaching out at (727) 548-7100 to book your next appointment today.
Dr. Piper is a General and Cosmetic Dentist who has proudly served Pinellas County since 1993. Both he and his team of professionals provide high quality, gentle dental care in a relaxed, personalized, and caring environment. Treating patients like family sets his practice apart from others.
