October is Dental Hygiene Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on ways to improve your dental health. Gum disease is a common problem, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of gum disease and some steps you can take to protect yourself from it.

Dental Hygiene Month: Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. It is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If it is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed.

There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It usually causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If it is not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the tissue and bone that support the teeth.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The symptoms of gum disease vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stage, gingivitis, symptoms may include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

If gum disease progresses to periodontitis, symptoms may include:

• Loose teeth
• Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
• Pain when chewing
• Receding gums
• Bone loss
• Abscesses (pockets of pus)
• Cysts

Dental Hygiene Month: What’s Your Risk of Gum Disease?

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease, including:

• Poor dental hygiene: This is the most important factor. You can only remove plaque by brushing and flossing regularly.
• Tobacco use: Cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use are major risk factors for gum disease.
• Age: Gum disease is more common in older adults.
• Family history: If you have a family member with gum disease, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
• Hormonal changes: Women who are pregnant or going through menopause are at increased risk for gum disease.
• Certain health conditions: Gum disease is more common in people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and certain types of cancer.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which can lead to gum disease.

Treatment Options

There are a number of treatment options for gum disease, depending on the severity of the disease. In the early stage, gingivitis, treatment may include:

• Professional teeth cleaning: Your dental team will remove plaque and tartar from teeth.
• Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. This often goes along with professional teeth cleaning.
• Antibacterial mouthwash: This helps to kill bacteria that cause gum disease.
• Good oral hygiene: This includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as avoiding tobacco use.If gum disease progresses to periodontitis, treatment may include:
• Deep cleaning: This is similar to scaling and root planing, but it is done more deeply.
• Medications: Antibiotics can be used to kill bacteria.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat periodontitis.

Dental Hygiene Month: How to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease

The best way to protect yourself from gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. In addition, quitting smoking and controlling your diabetes can also help reduce your risk of gum disease.

If you think you may have gum disease, see Dr. Chris Bockrath at Mountain Aire Dentistry right away for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent the progression of the disease.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

This Dental Hygiene Month, take action against gum disease and make an appointment with Dr. Bockrath at Mountain Aire Dentistry. We offer comprehensive dental care for the whole family, including gum disease treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!