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.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease affects more than half of the American population. Unlike tooth decay, gum disease typically does not have a major warning sign such as extreme discomfort. This is one of the reasons it typically goes undetected until it is too late. It is also known as the silent disease for this very reason. While there are usually no major red flags to detect this disease, there are minor warning signs that you can be mindful of. Look out for signs such as:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Gums that are excessively red
- Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
- Unexplained bad breath
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
Ways To Prevent Gum Disease
Aside from visiting our office every six months for a hygiene examination, we recommend being diligent with your oral care at home. Be sure to brush correctly and thoroughly at least twice a day. We also suggest using dental floss daily to help remove bacteria from between teeth that may be left behind after brushing.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above or if you have not visited our office in the past 6 months for a hygiene examination, call to schedule an appointment today at our office located in Wellington, FL. We can help ease your mind and address any issues before they become more severe. We look forward to seeing you soon!
