Spreading Awareness of Gum Care in September

During the month of September, you may hear a lot of people talking about gum care. There’s a good reason for that: It’s National Gum Care Month. For the month, people ban together to spread awareness about caring for your gums to prevent oral health issues, mainly gum disease.

Why is preventing gum disease so important? One reason is because gum disease is the prevailing cause of teeth loss in adults over the age of 35. However, as you’ll learn today, gum disease can cause a number of other issues beyond tooth loss. Additionally, kids can be affected by this condition too.

With National Gum Care Month upon us, now is the perfect time to start talking about gum care and how to do it properly. You’re going to learn about how to not only care for your gums but also spot warning signs of gum disease. By knowing this information, you can schedule an appointment with your Fairfax dentist for treatment.

How Gum Disease Affects Your Overall Health

It’s no secret that gum disease can cause your teeth to fall out. What you might not know is that it can cause a lot of other problems as well. In fact, it can cause problems with your general health.

Studies have shown that gum disease can lead to serious health issues, such as stroke and heart disease. Other studies suggest that gum disease can lead to the development of diabetes because it’s known to raise blood sugar levels. As you can see, gum disease affects more than just the health of your mouth.

Taking Care of Your Gums Every Day

Now that you understand that the health of your gums can affect more than just the health of your mouth, you may be wondering how to go about caring for your gums. The good news is that caring for your gums is as easy as coming up with a great oral hygiene routine. Simply put, you may already be doing some of the things you need to do to protect your gums.

Brush Your Teeth

Having healthy gums starts with brushing your teeth. You need to brush at least twice a day. If possible, you should brush your teeth after every meal. Unfortunately, that’s not possible for everyone to do because of busy schedules. That said, everyone should find a way to brush their teeth at least twice a day.

Of course, it’s not just important to think about brushing your teeth. It’s also important to consider what you brush with. When picking out your toothbrush, aim for a bush that has soft bristles. Doing so will minimize the damage done to your gums and the enamel on your teeth. Likewise, choose bristles that vary in length so that you’re cleaning your teeth and gums from different angles.

Last, but not least, make sure that you change your toothbrush every three months. Over time, bacteria starts to build up on your toothbrush. Also, the bristles start to become stiff and hard. Getting a new one every three months can prevent this from happening.

Don’t Neglect Flossing and Going to the Dentist

Brushing is super important. However, flossing your teeth every day is just as important. When you floss, you’re stimulating your gums and promoting proper blood flow. On top of that, you’re removing food particles that get stuck between your teeth. These food particles promote the growth of bacteria, so getting them out of your mouth is a priority.

Also, you have to make sure that you visit your dentist regularly. Only your dentist can provide the deep clean that you need to prevent gum disease completely. Setting up an appointment with your Fairfax dentist is as easy as calling the dental office.

The Different Stages of Gum Disease and Warning Signs

Did you know that there are different stages of gum disease? It’s the truth, and each of these stages has different warning signs. It’s important to know these warning signs so that you can visit your dentist at the first sign of trouble. Just remember, though, that only your dentist can diagnose you with gum disease.

First Stage

Stage one, better known as gingivitis, is a common problem among many Americans. In truth, most people could take steps to reverse gingivitis, but they don’t know that they have it. The signs of gingivitis usually include bleeding and red gums. You’ll typically notice bleeding the most when you go to brush or floss your teeth.

Second Stage

Stage two is referred to as periodontitis. This stage develops when you don’t get gingivitis treatment. During this stage, little pockets start to form within the gums. These pockets become a breeding ground for bacteria, which causes the condition to deteriorate even further.

With periodontitis, you’re a lot more likely to experience pain when brushing or flossing. You’ll still get some of the other symptoms from gingivitis as well. This includes bleeding and red gums. However, you may also notice that your gums are swollen.

Third Stage

The third stage, or advanced periodontitis, is when things start to get really bad. The warning signs are much more noticeable. Generally, the gums start to pull away from the teeth during this stage. You may even start to lose teeth as the disease starts to destroy connective soft tissues and bones that support your teeth.

Treatment for stage three is a lot more intense. At this stage, dentists typically have little choice but to do oral surgery. This is the only way that they can restore the connective tissues and bones needed to provide a strong foundation for your teeth.

Don’t Live With Gum Disease, We Can Help

Are you or a family member in need of gum disease treatment in Fairfax? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We provide dental services, including gum disease treatment, for people living in Fairfax. Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment and affordable dental care. Call us today to set up an appointment.