When you think of February, you most likely picture red hearts, chocolates, and flowers. What you probably don’t think about is gum disease. But did you know that February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month? Let’s use this as an opportunity to learn all about the condition and how you can avoid the need for gum disease treatment in Denton.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should report to your dentist as soon as you can:
- Bleeding gums in Denton, especially after brushing and flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- A receding gumline that makes your teeth look longer
- Gum tissue that is red, swollen, puffy, or tender to the touch
How Your Dentist Treats Gum Disease
Luckily, dental technology has advanced pretty far, especially when it comes to treating gum disease. Your dentist may employ one or more of the following options to treat your condition:
- Scaling and root planing. Also known as a dental deep cleaning, scaling and root planing involves removing harmful bacteria from above and below the gumline, and then smoothing out the roots of the teeth so that bacteria have a harder time attaching to them in the future.
- Soft tissue laser therapy. Your dentist can use a focused laser to remove damaged gum tissue without resorting to surgical measures that cause extensive swelling and bleeding afterward. This method also encourages new, healthy tissue regeneration.
- Antibiotic therapy. Most dentists will utilize antibiotic therapy in conjunction with the other two treatment methods. They will typically apply medicine directly to the infected gum tissue, treating any bacteria that may have slipped through the cracks of the other treatments.
How You Can Prevent Gum Disease
When it comes to dental care, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. The best treatment for gum disease is avoiding the need for treatment in the first place. You can do that by:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid irritating your gums.
- Floss at least once daily. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from between your teeth and along your gumline.
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. People who smoke are about twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop gum disease.
- Eat a mouth-healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
- See your dentist in Denton twice a year for checkups to diagnose gum disease early on. Regular cleanings also get rid of plaque that causes gum infections.
Even though February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, you’re more than welcome to apply these tips to your everyday life no matter what time of year it is. Your gums will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Naveen Karim is a periodontist, or a dentist who has specialized in the care and treatment of gum tissue. She thoroughly enjoys being able to save teeth through gum disease treatment at Denton Dental Center. If you find yourself experiencing any of the gum disease symptoms listed above, you should contact Dr. Karim’s office at (940) 383-3300.