The importance of caring for your gums

The Importance Of Caring For Your Gums

When was the last time you visited our office for a hygiene examination? If it has not been within the past six months, we hope to see you soon. Many patients assume that during their examination we are only cleaning and polishing teeth, and that couldn’t be farther from the truth. While the cleaning is an important part of the examination, we also inspect the mouth for diseases that can affect your oral and overall health, like gum disease. Gum disease is a serious gum infection and inflammation caused by bacterial growth along the gum line and around the base of the tooth.

how to avoid periodontal disease

How To Avoid Periodontal Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of adult Americans have some form of periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease. It occurs when bacteria build up on the teeth and become an infection that affects the gums. Other health issues can increase the risk of gum disease, such as pregnancy, diabetes and obesity. Gum disease, however, is easily avoided through good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.