Improve Your Gum Health During National Gum Care Month
What Is National Gum Care Month?
It is a month set aside to sensitize people about the essence of gum health to impact their oral cavities. Many people believe that oral health centers around teeth only. Even though many dental treatments concern teeth’ health, Dentistry caters to other parts of the oral cavity too.
September, the National Gum Care Month, should be acknowledged by everyone. The relevance of this month is vital for Americans, given that about 48% of people live with varying degrees of gum diseases. To lower your chances of joining the statistics, September is the best month to learn about good gum care to boost oral health.
Why Are Gums Important?
Dentists in Sumter, SC, do not over-emphasize gum care as some people would imagine. Instead, they stress the value of healthy gums because many people neglect their gum health. Some of the reasons why your gums are important to your oral health are:
- Gums foster stability and sturdiness of natural and artificial teeth.
- Gums protect tooth roots and the jawbone.
- Gums play a significant role in a smile’s appearance.
- Gums are susceptible to infection, leading to a popular dental issue called gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
It is an infection of the gum tissue and the oral structures that keep teeth intact. Gum disease is a prevalent oral problem, affecting more people than not. Unfortunately, many people suffer from gum disease unknowingly, waiting too late to seek gum disease treatment near them.
Understanding the Progression of Gum Disease
Gum disease typically features a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue first. This stage of infection is called gingivitis. Some tell signs that you have gingivitis are:
- Reddened gums
- Sore and tender gums
- Swollen and sensitive gums
- Mouth sores
- Pus oozing from your gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Foul taste in your mouth
- Bleeding gums – particularly when brushing your teeth
Over time, the infection will become severe, spreading to other parts of your oral cavity. It will be the case if you delay seeking treatment for the infection. Unfortunately, the early stages of gum disease are not usually alarming enough for many people to be concerned for their oral health. Therefore, several patients only seek gum disease treatment near them when the infection advances to periodontitis. Some indicators that you have periodontitis are:
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Teeth gaps as your teeth begin to shift
- Loose and shaky teeth
- Exposed tooth roots
- Receded gums – you may notice your teeth looking bigger and longer than they usually are.
- Jaw and gum pain when you chew
- Tooth loss
What Complications Can Occur Due to Untreated Gum Disease?
One of the reasons we at Restorative Arts Dental are adamant about sensitizing patients on good periodontal health is that gum disease can lead to severe health complications. The complications are not limited to your oral cavity. Instead, the infection can spread to other body parts through the bloodstream. Some complications you may experience include:
- Birth complications if you are pregnant
- Multiple tooth loss
- Brain abscesses
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Diabetes
Ways to Care for Your Gums
Since it is gum care month, why not learn the different actionable ways to improve your oral health by caring for your gums? Some tips for good gum care are:
- Brush and floss daily – your mouth is ideal and conducive to bacterial overgrowth if you do not keep it clean.
- Visit your dentist regularly for routine dental cleanings and checkups.
- Cut food into small portions – particularly raw and hard foods like apples, carrots, or sugarcane.
- Eat healthily – provide your mouth and body with sufficient nutrients for sustaining healthy soft tissues.
- Use good-quality oral products – toothpaste should not be too harsh on your gums. Your toothbrush should also have soft bristles that are gentle to your teeth and gums.
- Drink a lot of water – it helps neutralize acidity in the mouth while keeping it moist.