How Often Do You Think About Your Gums?
When you visit the dentist, what do you think of first? We know that many of our patients are concerned with getting their teeth cleaned and ensuring there are no cavities. Did you know that we care for more than your teeth when you visit our office? Aside from caring for your teeth, one of the other areas of your mouth that we check is your gums. September is National Gum Care Month, so we want to share some important information about your gums and helpful tips that you can use to ensure you do not experience any problems or complications. Read on to learn more about the importance of caring for your gums properly.
National Gum Care Month
When you visit our office for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning, we do more than just check your teeth. We also look for issues with your gums. One issue that over half of American adults experience is gum disease, caused by an infection in the gum tissue. If left untreated or undetected, gum disease can lead to serious complications such as tooth loss and a breakdown of the jawbone.
Caring for Your Gums
Unfortunately, many people do not care for their gums as carefully as they should. The best way to care for your gums daily is to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Be sure to avoid brushing and flossing too roughly. It is very easy to cause trauma to the gums, which can cause bleeding and sores or ulcers.
Signs of a Problem
There are certain signs that will indicate a problem with your gum health, including:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Unexplained bad breath
- Receding gum line
If you experience any of the problems mentioned above, we encourage you to contact our office, which is located in Burton, MI, to schedule an appointment. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one for an oral hygiene examination if it has been longer than six months since your last visit. We hope to hear from you soon!
