It’s that special time of year again when everyone is thinking about loved ones, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, and… gum disease? That’s right! February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month. Take a break from making dinner plans and buying flowers to look at your smile in the mirror. Do you have bright red, easily bleeding gums in LoDo? While the earliest stages of gum disease may be easy to overlook, it can lead to permanent damage and lost teeth. Read on to learn how to love your gums and protect your pearly whites.
Cavities aren’t the only thing that plaque and tartar in your mouth can cause. They’re also brimming with harmful bacteria that relentlessly attacks your gums. Eventually, a bacterial infection will develop in your gum tissue, which is known as gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Just like any infection, leaving it untreated allows it to get stronger and more destructive. Eventually, it can advance into periodontitis, which means it’s reached your jawbone and has started destroying the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place.
While gingivitis may be easy to ignore now, it can wreak havoc on your smile later. Its effects don’t stop at intense toothaches, permanent gum tissue damage, and lost teeth either. Although more research is needed, experts believe there’s a connection between gum disease and serious health conditions like diabetes, respiratory infections, and even heart disease. In fact, studies show that gum disease can increase a person’s risk of heart disease by up to 20%.
It’s estimated that about 80% of Americans have gum disease. If you notice any of these common symptoms, it’s time to visit your dentist in LoDo:
If the symptoms on the list above sound all too familiar, there’s no need to panic. With gum disease treatment in LoDo, your dentist can use specialized tools and techniques to eliminate the infection from your gums. A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planning, allows your dentist to clean out the bacteria from the pockets between your teeth and gums, then smooth out the tooth roots to discourage reinfection.
Thankfully, you can prevent the infection from developing in the first place by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash every day. Commit to great oral hygiene and keep your gums a lovely pink color this February to protect yourself from gum disease!
Don’t put that beautiful smile at risk. Get your dental checkup at RiNo Dental in Denver, CO every six months to spot and stop gum disease as early as possible. Dr. Bryant Franz works hard to create an environment his patients will enjoy as they receive the top-tier dental care that they need. Whether that care is a detailed cleaning or gum disease treatment, he goes the extra mile to make it as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. If you have more concerns about gum disease, feel free to contact him via his website or (720) 943-7484.
