February Is Gum Disease Awareness Month

February is Gum Disease Awareness Month. The health of your gums is a key component in a healthy and beautiful smile. Gum disease is a serious problem that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. It's important to find out if you have gum disease, so you can get treatment before it gets worse. To learn more about gum disease and how to prevent it, check out the resources below!

Gum disease is an issue that affects many people, but it's also one that you can take steps to prevent.

Here are some tips for preventing gum disease:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily.
• Use mouthwash regularly (about once per day).
• Avoid smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco because they can increase the risk of gum disease.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption because it causes dehydration and can make your mouth dry which increases the risk of gum disease by allowing food particles to collect between teeth where they may cause irritation or infection.

If you have teeth, you’re at risk for gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that can affect the gums and bone around your teeth. It can cause bad breath, swollen gums and tooth loss if left untreated. Keeping up with regular dental checkups will help identify any signs of gum disease early on, so it can be treated before it gets worse.

If you're interested in learning more about how to prevent gum disease or want some additional resources on the topic, here are some websites we recommend:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html