When most people think about February, their mind immediately goes to Valentine’s Day. While February is certainly the most amorous month on the calendar, did you know that it’s also Gum Disease Awareness Month? Gum disease is the most prominent dental problem in the entire world, and it’s even the leading cause of adult tooth loss here in the US! Today, a dentist in El Reno is going to give you a quick and easy guide on how to avoid this troublesome infection so you and your family can enjoy healthy smiles this month and all that follow.

But First, What Exactly Is Gum Disease?

You’ve probably heard gum disease mentioned in ads for oral healthcare products, but what actually is it?

Basically, it’s an infection that damages the gums and bone surrounding your teeth brought on by a buildup of bacterial plaque below the gum line. When you don’t brush and floss consistently at home, your teeth can develop cavities, and your gums can develop this infection.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. You might be familiar with gingivitis, as this is the milder form. Symptoms include:

• Redness in the gums
• Swelling
• Sensitivity
• Puffiness
• Gums that bleed easily during cleaning

If gingivitis isn’t taken care of promptly, it can eventually develop into periodontitis, which has much more serious consequences:

• Germ-filled pockets along the gum line
• Sores on the gums
• Gum recession
• Chronic bad breath or foul taste in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss

Needless to say, if you notice any of these symptoms, your next call should definitely be to your dentist.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

When caught early, a regular dental cleaning from your dentist or hygienist and more diligent brushing and flossing at home are typically all that is needed to take care of gum disease. If the infection is more advanced, a special cleaning called scaling and root planing might be necessary. For the most serious cases, surgery might be required, and a patient will likely be referred to a gum specialist called a periodontist.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Fortunately, you can avoid needing gum disease treatment altogether by following a few simple tips:

• When brushing and flossing your teeth (which you should do every day), be sure to clean along and below your gum line.
• Limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks that lead to an increase in oral bacteria.
• Get regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist so they can catch and treat an infection as early as possible.

Gum disease is a serious problem around the world, but by knowing a little more and practicing excellent oral hygiene, you can easily keep it out of your house for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Adam Cohlmia is proud to be a dentist who was born, raised, and educated right here in Oklahoma. Raising gum disease awareness in El Reno is always a big goal for him because it helps his patients avoid a dental problem that many don’t think about on a day to day basis. We just covered the basics about gum disease here, but to learn more about how to keep you and your family’s smiles happy and healthy, he can be contacted through his website.