Did you know that taking care of your gums is equally important as taking care of your teeth? Many people don’t realize just how severe gum disease can become. With regular gum disease checkups and treatments, Lakeland Family Dentistry can help keep your gums healthy and strong.
We take pride in providing excellent dental services from a team of highly skilled professionals who have expertise in preventing and treating periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Henry, Dr. Greer and Dr. Carlton, can also create custom treatment plans to get long-lasting results for your smile!
Gum Disease Awareness Month
This year, February has been declared Gum Disease Awareness Month. At Lakeland Family Dentistry, we want to ensure our patients are as informed as possible about the potential risks associated with gum disease and how to protect their mouths from it.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth decay and eventual loss if left untreated. It begins when bacteria build up on teeth and gums, irritating the soft tissue in your mouth and creating pockets that fill with toxins. Over time, these pockets become more pronounced and eat away at your teeth and gums, leading to pain, bad breath, and even jawbone erosion.
Gingivitis is an early gum disease stage, resulting in inflammation of the gums that can lead to pain, swelling, and bleeding. If it goes untreated, gingivitis can become a severe condition known as periodontitis, with long-term health implications. It’s best not to let it go until then.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums and soft tissue surrounding your teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, receding gum lines, deep pockets between teeth and gums, and pain when biting down or chewing. If left untreated, periodontitis can damage the bone around your teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Fortunately, treatments are available to help manage gum disease, and we will take excellent care of you at our cutting-edge dental clinic in Flowood, Mississippi.
Who Can Get Gum Disease?
Unfortunately, anyone can be susceptible to gum disease. It’s most common among adults over 35 years old because they have had more prolonged exposure to the bacteria that causes it. However, younger people can get it, too. Additionally, smokers are particularly vulnerable since smoking reduces blood flow, making it harder for your body to fight off infections like gum disease.
How Can I Keep My Mouth Healthy?
The best way to avoid gum disease (or any other oral health problems) is by practicing good oral hygiene habits every day! Make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste; use an interdental brush or dental floss daily; limit your sugar intake; visit Lakeland Family Dentistry for regular checkups; and quit smoking if you’re a smoker. These steps will help ensure that your mouth remains healthy throughout the year!
Gum Disease Treatment
Imagine having healthier gums with improved hygiene — all while preserving the natural beauty of your smile with personalized care tailored to meet your needs. Don’t let gum disease affect your oral health any further; start taking action now at Lakeland Family Dentistry!
At Lakeland Family Dentistry, we understand how important your oral health is – not just during Gum Disease Awareness Month but all year long! That’s why we always strive to provide our patients with the best possible care and education on how to keep their mouths healthy so they can avoid developing gum disease or any other potential issues down the line. If you have any questions about gum disease or would like to schedule an appointment to look into our gum disease treatment for optimal oral health, contact us today!
We look forward to hearing from you soon!