fbpx
Gum Disease Awareness Month | ASH Dental Irvine

Gum Disease Awareness Month

Gum Disease Awareness Month

What is Gum Disease Awareness Month?

Gum Disease Awareness Month is a national and global effort to raise public awareness of gum disease. It was launched back in 2012 to encourage people to check their gums, notice any signs of unhealthy gums, and take an active role in practicing better oral health.

The goal of Gum Disease Awareness Month is to continually raise awareness of the prevalence of gum disease and the consequences of untreated disease while encouraging patients to take an active role in better oral health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

To give you a better understanding of how important it is to look after your gums, here are some shocking statistics:

  • Gum disease is not rare to get – it’s very common amongst adults.
  • Up to 90% of adults in the UK have some gum disease, even if it is only the smallest amount.
  • It is often called ‘The Silent Disease’ because of the lack of symptoms in the early stages.
  • If you are a smoker, have diabetes, or suffer from stress, you’re more at risk.

 

Signs of Gum Disease:

Gum disease is caused by plaque building up on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria, and some of these bacteria can be harmful to your gums. If the plaque is not removed it can build up, irritating your gums and causing gum redness, swelling, and bleeding.

To help you become more aware of gum disease, it’s crucial to be able to spot the signs as soon as possible. Getting ahead early will give you the best possible chance of eliminating it before it becomes a bigger problem. Here are some of the most common signs.

Bleeding gums

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, this can be one of the early signs of gum disease. Many people tend to ignore this, as they think they’ve simply brushed too hard. However, if you’re suffering from bleeding gums often, you should give us a visit for a check-up.

Swollen gums

Gingivitis, a type of gum disease, is one of the most common causes of swollen gums. It is usually the result of poor oral hygiene and lack of brushing, which causes plaque to build upon your gum line and on your teeth. This will irritate your gums and make them sore and uncomfortable.

Receding gums

If your gums are receding or pulling away from your teeth, this can be another sign of gum disease. Again, this can be due to infections in your gums from lack of oral hygiene and the buildup of plaque, destroying gum tissue. If you’re worried, call us and book an appointment.

Bad breath

It goes without saying that an unhealthy mouth will give you bad breath. Failing to have a consistent brushing and flossing routine will cause your teeth and gums to build up with bacteria, creating bad breath.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The number one cause of gum disease is poor dental hygiene.

When you neglect your teeth & gums – by not brushing daily for #2min2x a day or flossing – the plaque will build up along the gum line, which is the first stage of gum disease, Gingivitis.

If you further neglect gingivitis this systemic infection will progress into periodontitis, and if still not treated, full-blown advanced periodontitis.

And it’s not just about taking care of your gums or oral health, it’s about taking care of your overall health!

Gum disease has been found to have systemic connections to the following serious health issues:

  • Stroke.
  • Heart Disease.
  • Osteoporosis.
  • Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
  • Cancer.
  • Respiratory Disease.
  • Infertility.
  • Diabetes.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Part of Gum Disease Awareness Month is to give more information about how we can look after our whole mouth and prevent any signs of gum disease. Here are some important ways you can keep bacteria at bay:

  • Brush your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes, twice per day. Choose a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
  • Use interdental brushes or floss to clean in between your teeth daily. Take extra care to floss around each tooth to the places your brush can’t quite reach.
  • Keep an eye on your diet and cut down on things high in sugar. Healthy foods mean a healthy mouth!
  • Visit your dentist regularly. Book in for an examination and hygiene session once every 6 months. At Churchfield Dental Centre, our skilled team can quickly identify any issues and take the necessary steps to help you create a healthy mouth.

 

Don’t Let Gum Disease Win

ASH Dental, Irvine offers expert, gentle, and thorough dental cleanings. We also offer treatment for the early and advanced stages of gum disease.

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime and avoid many significant health problems.

Gum Disease Awareness Month – Are you looking after your teeth and gums?

Hopefully, you’re now more aware of the signs of gum disease and how you can do your bit to look after your whole mouth. However, if you’re struggling to keep up with an oral hygiene routine, or you have some concerns about your gum health, Call us today to book an appointment on 949-453-9800 The sooner you act, the better!

We welcome patients from throughout California and the 92618 is to schedule an Appointment with Dr. Sami and our office.
We are committed to providing High-Quality Dental Care that is Painless and Comfortable.
As a restorative dentist, we will ensure that your tooth functions and looks perfect.
Schedule an Appointment with your Family Dentist, Or Call at 949-453-9800 Now!

Request an Appointment with ASH dental Irvine for all of your dental needs.