It’s finally September! The kids are back in school, the temperatures are cooling down, pumpkin spice lattes are back, and the leaves are starting to turn to breathtaking colors. Autumn is all about change, but here’s one thing that remains constant no matter the season—your fight against gum disease in Greensboro. In fact, September is National Gum Care Month, and while your gums need care all year long, now is the perfect time to learn more about your gum health.
Why are gums important?
When you think of a strong smile, you likely envision robust, white, cavity-free teeth. However, your teeth would not be able to function or even look attractive without healthy gums. These soft tissues attach to the teeth, supporting and holding them in place. In a way, your gums provide the foundation for your smile. The gums also provide a barrier between the microbiome of bacteria found in your mouth and the rest of your body.
What is gum disease?
Also called periodontal disease, gum disease occurs when bacteria cause inflammation in the gum tissues. Early on during the gingivitis stage, gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If allowed to progress, the disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets of trapped plaque and bacteria. Eventually, the infection spreads to the jaw bone, and the roots of the teeth become exposed and unsupported. Ultimately, untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss.
Why should I take gum disease seriously?
About half of American adults have an advanced form of periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Not only can missing a tooth make you feel self-conscious, but it can make eating nutritious foods more difficult, leading to various health issues. However, gum disease can have much more dangerous consequences. The bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums caneasily enter the bloodstream and can cause inflammation elsewhere in the body, leading to serious medical conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
Treating gum disease includes more intensive procedures, including antibiotics and irrigation treatments, more frequent deep cleanings, and other non-surgical therapies. Although your dentist can provide periodontal therapy in Greensboro if you develop this condition, it’s best if you can avoid gum disease in the first place. You can do so by keeping up with your daily brushing and flossing. You also need to visit your dentist at least twice every year for a checkup and cleaning. That way, plaque doesn’t have the chance to accumulate near the gum line and progress to the point where it harms your smile.
Your smile is worth protecting. If you want to enjoy a high quality of life, you need to take care of your gums. Taking a few minutes every day and an hour out of your schedule twice a year can ensure your gum health for the long term. By consistently doing these small, simple habits, you can make sure that your gums provide strong support for your teeth for many autumns to come.
About the Author
Dr. David Fisher has served Greensboro patients since 1998, when he graduated from the University of North Carolina with his DDS. He is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Guilford County Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. He enjoys getting to know patients personally and meeting their unique needs with customized treatment. To learn more about preventing and treating gum disease, you may call (336) 288-1242 or click here.