It’s Time to Show your Gums Some Love!

February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month!

What is Gum Disease?

The early stage of gum disease is also known as gingivitis. Since gingivitis is generally painless, the first symptoms of a problem are inflammation, tenderness, redness, continual bad breath, or a little blood when brushing and flossing. The good news is that catching gum disease at this stage means there is an opportunity to reverse the damage.

As gum disease progresses to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, symptoms are more noticeable and can become painful. Receding gums are one of the more obvious signs of advancing disease. This is where pockets form around the teeth and then the tissues and ligaments connecting the teeth to the jaw pull away. Once gum disease reaches the advanced stages, the only treatment options may be tooth extraction and even gum grafting.

Tips For Healthy Gums

You are probably wondering how to get healthier gums at this point. The best way to prevent gum disease is to develop a good oral care routine. It may take a few small alterations to your daily routine, but healthy gums are worth the extra effort!

• Floss at least once per day to reach any plaque or food your toothbrush can’t reach.

• Keep brushing twice per day and don’t forget your tongue!

• Get your teeth cleaned by one of the highly skilled dental hygienists at Dentistry by Design.

• Choose a toothpaste with fluoride and the ADA seal of acceptance.

• Try a therapeutic mouthwash that can help prevent plaque build-up.

• If you are a smoker, it is time to quit. There is a strong correlation between smoking and gum disease. It also takes longer for a smoker’s gums to heal and it’s more difficult to fight off gum infections.

Gum disease is preventable if you know how to make gums strong. If you’re worried that you may have some signs of gum disease, or are just in search of a new dentist in the Door County area, you have come to the right place. Call us today at (920) 854-5200 or schedule below!