Recognizing the Importance of National Gum Care Month
When discussing the importance of routine hygiene examinations and maintaining proper oral hygiene, some patients assume it is only for the sake of your teeth. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. While the care and health of your teeth is extremely important, there is another part of your mouth that is often overlooked — your gums. September is National Gum Care Month, so we thought this would be a great time to discuss the importance of caring for your teeth as well as your gums.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection in the gums. It can affect not only your gum tissue, but the bone that surrounds your teeth and attaches your teeth to the jawbone as well. Although it affects a large amount of Americans each year, this disease frequently stays under the radar and remains undetected. This is one reason why routine examinations every six months are critical. When gum disease remains undetected, it can lead to serious consequences with your oral health, including tooth loss. When detected early, deep cleaning treatments can be used to improve your gum health.
Warning Signs
Although gum disease frequently remains undetected and does not typically involve discomfort, as with tooth decay, there are some warning signs to be on the lookout for:
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
Ways to Combat Gum Disease
Aside from visiting the dentist for routine hygiene examinations, one of the best ways to combat gum disease is to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine at home. This includes brushing thoroughly twice a day and using dental floss. Be mindful not to brush too hard, and be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. You don’t want to damage your gums and tooth enamel from vigorous brushing techniques.
If you notice or experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
For more information, you can contact Dr. Michael Krochak at:
drk@nycsmilespacom
NYC Smile Spa
30 E. 60th St., Rm 1201
New York, NY 10022
(212) 838-2900
