As Gum Disease Awareness Month comes to a close, our team at Smiles of Punta Gorda wants you to know that we’re here to provide effective deep cleanings when you find yourself facing this destructive infection. Protecting your healthy teeth and gums is our top priority, so we look forward to seeing you at your next checkup as part of our proactive approach to fighting gum disease.
5 Important Facts About Gum Disease
Being more aware of what gum disease can do to your oral and overall health can help motivate you to do all you can to prevent it.
So here are five things you should know:
#1 – Gum disease leads in all other causes of tooth loss.
You could trip and fall. You could get hit in the face by a ball or an elbow while playing sports. Or you could suffer an injury to the mouth during a car accident.
Any of these scenarios can result in a lost tooth. You could even lose a tooth to decay.
But of all the causes of tooth loss, gum disease leads the pack. It destroys gum tissue and jawbone, both of which are necessary to keep your natural teeth in place.
#2 – Some people are at a higher risk than others.
Like most other diseases, some people are at a higher risk for gum disease than others.
Though about 75 percent of people will develop some level of gum disease, those with diabetes or heart disease, pregnant women, and tobacco users are shown to be more at risk to have or develop it.
#3 – Gum disease can be reversed, cured, or sometimes just controlled.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and if treated right away, it can be reversed and kept under control.
Beyond this stage, you’re talking about a periodontal disease that can only be managed through ongoing, more frequent professional dental care. Instead of visiting the dentist every six months, you may need to schedule cleanings every three to four months to keep gum disease under control.
#4 – Persistent bad breath could be a red flag.
Keeping your teeth clean with daily brushing and flossing will help clear out food debris that feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth that forms gum disease.
But if you’re really good about daily oral care and still notice that your breath smells bad despite rinsing with mouthwash or chewing minty gum, it could be a sign of gum disease infection.
#5 – Adding this to your oral care routine could help prevent it!
Although about 4 out of 5 adults admit to skipping this step, flossing every single day is one of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent gum disease!
A good portion of your tooth is actually hidden below the gumline, and dental floss is designed to reach that area so you can keep it clean.
It only takes a minute, but daily flossing can deliver lasting rewards for your smile.
Call To Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup!
The mouth and the body are connected, which means that infection inside your mouth can find its way into the bloodstream and create widespread health problems.
But with the right home hygiene routine and the exceptional dental care we provide in Punta Gorda, you can keep gum disease at bay for great oral and overall health.
For your next checkup, call Dr. Martin and Smiles of Punta Gorda at [phone] to [contact_us text=”request”] an appointment in Punta Gorda, FL.
