September is Gum Care Month
Hello September! It is National Gum Care Month.
In honor of gum health and periodontal disease awareness, it is important to not only be able to learn to recognize the red flags to gum disease, but also follow a healthy gum care routine daily.
Your gums are important! Don't overlook them because they need the same care as your teeth.Early stages of periodontal disease can be hard to detect, so taking care of your gum health and knowing the risks and symptoms can put you ahead of the game. Make sure your gums are happy and healthy by following simple steps like proper brushing and flossing the areas your toothbrush misses.
An early diagnosis of gum disease will allow you to take action. Healthy gums help you achieve good overall health.
Know the risk factors
Smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, stress, genes, crooked teeth and underlying immune deficiency disorders are a few risk factors that increase the chance of getting periodontal disease. In addition, defective fillings, dry mouth, and hormonal changes can also put you at risk of developing gum disease.
Know the symptoms
There are many red flags to periodontal disease that many people are unaware of. For example, if your gums are pulling away from your teeth, then you are most likely experiencing gum problems.
More symptoms include:
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
- Pain and discomfort
- 5 mm deep gum pockets
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums when flossing and/or brushing
- Bleeding gums
- Painful chewing and eating
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
It is necessary to stop ignoring these warning signs. Pay attention, and visit a periodontist asap!
Gum Care Importance
Your gums cover the roots of your teeth and help protect your teeth. Taking care of your gums is essential to a healthy mouth and better health. Daily flossing and proper brushing keeps your gums infection-free.
Improving Gum Health
Below are some important tips that will help you improve the health of your gums and avoid periodontal disease:
- Brush twice daily. Proper brushing helps keep your gums infection-free!
- Floss regularly twice a day. Daily flossing effectively removes debris in the tight spots between your teeth.
- Use mouthwash. Rinsing with mouthwash kills harmful bacteria that live between your teeth and tongue.
- Floss with water. Water flossing reduces gum disease and bleeding.
- Make friends with your dentist. You will love how much you can learn from your periodontist!
- Eat nutritious foods that improve your health.
Super Gum Care: Remember to use a soft brush and avoid vigorous brushing that can actually damage your gums.
Conclusion
If you would like to take care of your gums, please call us at (713)-636-9734 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Sharon Minott-Warren and our team at Bellaire Periodontics specializes in preventing gum disease and improving periodontal health.