Love Your Mouth By Protecting It From Gum Disease This February

February is all about showing that you’re thinking of your loved ones, but it’s also National Gum Disease Awareness Month! Showing some much-needed TLC to your oral tissues can help you preserve your grin. According to surveys conducted by the CDC, gum disease impacts one out of every two Americans, which is why it’s important to know the early symptoms so you can stop it in its tracks with gum disease treatment in Dallas. Read on to learn how you can celebrate the month of February right by improving the health of your teeth and gums.

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?

Although many people believe bleeding gums in Dallas is a completely normal occurrence, it’s actually one of the first signs of gum disease development. When plaque, tartar, and harmful oral bacteria accumulate, they produce toxins that can infect and damage your gums. Here are some symptoms of gum disease that you’ll want to keep an eye out for:

• Swollen, bleeding, tender, and inflamed gums.
• Oral sores.
• Receding gums that make your teeth look longer.
• Loose teeth.
• Pockets of pus between your gums and teeth.
• Chronic bad breath.
• A change in bite.
• Change in the fit of partial dentures.
• Tooth loss.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist in Dallas immediately for a thorough examination.

Why is it Important to Diagnose Early?

Gum disease is so vital to catch in its early stages because when it advances, it can cause permanent damage to your mouth that can be costly to repair. Additionally, over the last decade, several studies have been conducted about gum disease and how it impacts the rest of the body. Researchers found that there are clear links between the same toxins released by oral bacteria that cause gum disease and an increased risk of a variety of other medical conditions, including:

• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s
• Heart Disease (including stroke and heart attacks)
• Respiratory Infections

These studies highlight the importance of taking care of your gums to preserve your overall wellbeing, and often times, your first line of defense is regular checkups and cleanings at your dentist’s office. Paired with great at-home dental hygiene, you can optimize your health.

What is Gum Disease Treatment?

If you believe you have gum disease, seeking treatment sooner rather than later can not only save your smile, but it can also save your wallet from costly and invasive dental treatments down the road. If your dentist spots the early signs, they’ll likely suggest scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning oral therapy that can help beat oral bacteria that are damaging your mouth. In two appointments, your dentist will thoroughly clear all plaque and tartar from above and below your gumline. During the next appointment, they’ll smooth out the roots of your teeth and help your gums reattach to them, protecting them from oral bacteria.

This February, take time to show your gums some love by scheduling a checkup and cleaning. After a thorough inspection of your mouth, you’ll be able to rest assured that you have a clean bill of health and continue enjoying your smile!

About the Author

Dr. Aom Arrechea has always looked forward to working with her patients to help them tackle oral health problems sooner rather than later. By providing thorough preventive care to everyone that walks through her doors, she’s able to help boost her patients’ confidence and optimize their dental health. She has completed advanced training in a variety of topics, including sedation, dental and medical anesthesia, and special patients and pediatric dental care. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Daily Smiles Dental’s website or call 214-233-9460.