Seeing Red This Valentine’s Day? It Could Mean You Need To Call Us!
With Valentine’s Day in a few short weeks, the color red is all around. If you notice that your gums are matching the Valentine’s Day decor, you may be experiencing a problem with your oral health known as gum disease. This common condition affects more than half of American adults. February is designated Gum Disease Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public about the prevalence of the disease and the lasting effects it can have if left untreated. Read on to learn more about gum disease and how it can affect your oral health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a serious gum infection accompanied by inflammation and caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications with your oral and overall health. Given that gum disease affects approximately half of American adults, there is a good chance that you or someone you love will be affected by this disease. Gum disease often remains undetected, so it is extremely important to be mindful of any changes in your oral health and contact our office immediately if you notice a problem.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
One of the easiest ways to prevent gum disease is to maintain your oral hygiene routine between dental appointments. This includes brushing for a minimum of two minutes twice daily as well as flossing at least once a day.
We know that many of our patients are not using dental floss as often as they should. Dental floss is helpful in removing lingering food and bacteria from between the teeth. Mouthwash can also be helpful in rinsing the remaining bacteria from your mouth. When your teeth are not cleaned properly, it can lead to the development of plaque, which contributes to gum disease.
If you are in need of a routine hygiene examination for yourself or a loved one, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Northridge, CA. We also want to hear from you if you are concerned about the state of your gums or have any other oral health concerns. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
