You like looking at your healthy smile. Sure your teeth look great, but you should be checking out your gums as well.
Are they pink in color? Do they feel firm to the touch? Those are signs of healthy gum tissues, which is also important for keeping your teeth where you want them to be — in your mouth.
George A. Hoop, DDS wants you to maintain your healthy gums, although we do offer pain-free gum disease treatments as part of our North Naples and Fort Myers, FL general dental offices.
Since February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, we will be focusing our attention on what you can do to keep your gingival tissue healthy.
And remember, you can call (239) 594-8817 today to schedule an appointment with us.
Understand That Gum Health Affects More Than Your Smile
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that nearly 50 percent of Americans 30 years and older have some form of periodontitis (which is an advanced form of gum disease). That’s more than 64 million people in the United States.
These kinds of infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including the following:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Sore or painful gums
- Loose teeth
Periodontal infections also create the potential for damage to your jawbone. Health officials also have found multiple connections to other health problems. People who have gum disease are more likely to have other issues such as heart disease and heart attacks, complications of diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Take Action To Fight Gum Infections
As with any disease, preventive care should be your first line of defense. If you don’t develop gum disease, then you are much less likely to have the side effects of that condition.
As part of your preventive care, you should following the American Dental Association’s recommendations. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing every day.
We are emphasizing the importance of flossing because surveys show that less than half of all Americans actually do this. If you don’t like using dental floss, you aren’t alone. However, you may want to consider an alternative tool for cleaning between your teeth and gums, such as flossers (the short handles with a strand of floss on one end) or a water flosser.
The ADA’s final recommendation is to get regular dental cleanings and exams, which our team is happy to provide in Fort Myers and North Naples, FL. During your visits, we’ll remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
We’ll also be watching for any signs of gum infections. If we notice anything, you’ll know about it because we want you to take steps to treat the problems as early as possible. Early periodontal treatment is both more effective and less expensive for you.
Visit Us Soon
Whether you want to stop gum disease or treat an existing infection, we hope you will visit one of Dr. Hoop’s offices soon. You can contact us online or call (239) 594-8817.