Gum Care Awareness

Is Good Gum Care Important?

September is Gum Care Awareness Month, although most people aren’t aware of that. In fact, many people are unaware of the importance of good gum health to their overall good health, although the two are indeed linked. When your gums aren’t healthy, your body isn’t healthy, because anything that’s in your mouth will eventually be in your bloodstream, including bacteria and germs. Making sure your gums and teeth are healthy and disease-free will help ensure your body is healthy and disease-free, so be sure to see your Shelton dentist at least annually.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and at this point, gum disease can be cured, and any damage can be reversed. However, if you wait until periodontal disease has started, then the damage is irreversible, and the progression of the disease can only be stopped. The disease can’t be cured at this point. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in Americans who are 35 and over.

We’d love to help you achieve better gum and tooth health! Call for your appointment today!

How Do I Care for My Gums in Shelton?

Good gum care is one of the simplest and least expensive things you can do for good health. No special tests or equipment are needed. Everything you need you probably already have, so knowledge and discipline are the only two additional components necessary for good gum health.

You need a good quality, soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth, good quality toothpaste that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance, some dental floss, and optionally, antibacterial mouthwash. All your dental products should carry the ADA seal to ensure that you’re getting a quality product. Bargain brands may save you money initially, but they may not be as effective. The type of floss you choose doesn’t matter, whether you prefer picks, a flosser, or traditional floss. Just be sure to use it at least daily. However, brushing after each meal or snack is best for optimal gum health.

If you already have a good oral hygiene regimen, you probably already have good gum health, but no matter the quality of your daily oral routine, you still need to have regular dental checkups and cleanings. Annually should be the minimum; semi-annually is better. Your Shelton dentist can spot small anomalies before they escalate, so a professional exam is always recommended for optimal gum and dental health.

 Does Gum Disease Show Any Symptoms?

 Rarely does gum disease present asymptomatically. If you have gum disease, you’ll most likely notice one or more of the following seven symptoms:

1. Areas of irritation or infection at the base of your teeth
2. Eroding gums
3. Halitosis, or bad breath, that may be accompanied by an odd taste in your mouth
4. Inflamed or swollen gums
5. Loosened teeth or unusual gaps between your teeth
6. Minor bleeding when you brush or floss
7. Visible pockets of infection or pus

 Any of these can indicate a problem, and you should make an appointment with your Shelton dentist without delay.

Do You Have Gum Disease?

If you think you have gum disease, particularly if you’ve just noticed it, be sure to schedule a dental appointment without delay. When caught in its early stage of gingivitis, gum disease can be cured, and any damage can be reversed. However, if you delay treatment, gum disease can escalate into advanced periodontal disease that can only be treated, it can’t be cured, and damage can only be repaired through reconstructive dentistry.

At your appointment, your dentist will examine your gums to determine if you have gum disease and at what stage, and then the two of you will formulate a treatment plan. The sooner you address your gum disease, the less invasive your treatment will be and the more successful.

How Many Stages of Gum Disease Are There?

There are three stages of gum disease and they are:

• Gingivitis: This is the first stage of gum disease and the only one that’s curable. It’s often caused due to a buildup of tartar that starts to irritate your gums, and there may be no symptom other than minor bleeding when you brush or floss. Your dentist can clean your teeth and recommend adjustments to your daily hygiene regimen so that the problem doesn’t come back. Any damage can be reversed.
• Periodontitis: This is the second stage of gum disease. By this time, you’ll have incurred permanent damage to your bones and tissues. Although your dentist can lessen the impact with scaling, root planing, and antibiotics, the damage can only be corrected surgically.
• Advanced Periodontitis: This is gum disease’s third and most serious stage. By this time, you may lose all your teeth, and the bones and tissues that surround your teeth may be destroyed. There is no cure at this point. Progression of the disease can be stopped, but you’ll need reconstructive dentistry to restore functionality to your teeth and gums. Treatment at this point is much more invasive and takes considerably longer than in the first two stages. The best remedy for advanced periodontitis is prevention. When you don’t allow your gums to progress to this stage, you maintain much better dental and physical health since gum disease has been linked to serious physical diseases.

 If you think you have gum disease, no matter the stage, schedule a dental appointment without delay.

So, Gum Disease Can Be Very Serious?

Research has linked gum disease to several serious health conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Dementia

It’s unfortunate that so many people risk developing these severe health conditions when the prevention and solution can be as simple as brushing and flossing their teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene. However, the bacteria in gum disease can travel through the bloodstream to all your major organs and start inflammation and infection, so keeping healthy gums can help you keep a healthy body.

Is There a Dentist in My Area?

 If you’re looking for a good general dentist in your area, call Huntington Family Dental Group at (203) 916-1173, and we can help you. Whatever you do, don’t ignore any symptoms of gum disease that you have. Seek treatment promptly so that you avoid losing your teeth or developing health problems.

Schedule an exam and cleaning today. You’ll be glad you did.