When you visit our office for an oral hygiene examination and cleaning, we do more than just clean your teeth. We also look for problems like gum disease, a serious gum infection caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. February is designated as Gum Disease Awareness Month in an effort to educate people about the prevalence of the disease and the lasting effects it can have if left untreated. Gum disease affects approximately half of American adults, so it is likely that you or one of your loved ones will be affected by this disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
One of the biggest causes of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. The easiest thing you can do to help prevent gum disease is to ensure that you are brushing and flossing your teeth properly. We recommend that patients brush their teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice per day. It is also extremely important to use dental floss daily as well. Dental floss is helpful in removing lingering food and bacteria from between the teeth. Mouthwash can also be helpful in rinsing the remaining bacteria from the mouth. A poor oral hygiene routine will eventually lead to the development of plaque on the teeth. Plaque at the base of the teeth, along the gumline, leads to gum disease.
Pay Attention to Your Oral Health
Gum disease often remains undetected, so it is extremely important to check your teeth and gums regularly for signs that you may have a problem. Be sure to visually check your mouth as well as use your tongue to feel around for any irregularities.
- Problems that can indicate gum disease include:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sudden change in your bite
- Teeth that feel loose
If you need a routine hygiene examination for yourself or a loved one, contact our office, which is located in Brunswick, GA. We also want to hear from you if you are concerned about the state of your gums or have any other oral health concerns. We look forward to hearing from you soon!