When you think about February, what color comes to mind? For many, it’s red—the color of love! However, the color red isn’t always a good thing. In fact, red gums can often be a sign of gum disease. This month of romance is also a month of recognition! Gum Disease Awareness Month brings attention to the significance of healthy gums and the signs you can look out for to catch it early. Keep reading to learn more about this common problem and when it’s necessary to get gum disease treatment in Hoover.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissue that is typically caused by poor dental hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss daily, plaque and bacteria can buildup along the gumline, causing infection. In its early stages, gum disease can be reversed with a regular brushing and flossing routine combined with regular visits to your dentist in Hoover. But, if the disease persists, it can cause permanent gum damage, bone deterioration, and even tooth loss. It has even been linked with higher risks of diabetes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, and other serious health conditions.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Because the sooner you catch gum disease, the easier it is to treat it, it’s important to be able to recognize these common signs and symptoms:
- Red or puffy gums
- Tender or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing
- Sensitivity when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Teeth that appear longer
- Changes in bite
If you notice any of these warning signs, call your dentist right away.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
The most common treatment for gum disease and its symptoms like bleeding gums in Hoover is called scaling and root planing. Also called a deep cleaning, this treatment can effectively stop the progression of mild to moderate gum disease. Your dentist will first clean away any plaque and bacteria from your smile, especially above and below your gumline. Then, they will reach under the gums to smooth out your tooth roots, making it harder for tartar to collect in the future. This treatment can also be combined with antibiotics, however in more severe cases, surgery may be required.
How Can You Prevent It?
Thankfully, this problem can be completely prevented as long as you brush and floss daily. You can also use a nonalcoholic mouthwash to reach areas of the mouth that you can’t with your brush. A good at-home routine and regular visits to see your dentist are integral to the health of your gums. You can also avoid poor lifestyle habits like tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption to decrease your risk of infection.
Gum disease affects millions, but it can be prevented! Remember this information and be on the lookout for the common warning signs during National Gum Disease Awareness Month and beyond.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Marc W. Moulton has over 30 years of experience in preventing and detecting gum disease before it becomes serious. He has all the treatments you need to smile with health and happiness. For any questions, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (205) 988-3360.