For many, September just marks the changing of the seasons. “Summer fun” shifts to crisp fall air and the return to school once this month arrives. Still, September isn’t just a time for students to switch out sunscreen for notebooks and binders. The truth is that it’s also Gum Care Month – a period when you should learn to care for your gums better. To mark this occasion, here are four crucial facts about gum disease you should know.
It Isn’t Just an “Older People” Issue
A lot of folks see gum disease as something only “old” people get. However, the problem doesn’t just affect seniors; people of all ages can suffer it.
Yes, gum disease does impact the elderly more than others. It’s to the point that roughly 68% of adults 65 and older have infected gum tissue. That said, anyone who has a lot of built-up plaque and oral bacteria can get this awful disease. Even kids will develop it if they don’t look after their gums well enough.
It Has Easy-to-Miss Symptoms
Maybe you associate gum disease with obvious signs. Well, think again – the condition often has easy-to-miss symptoms that make it hard to detect.
You see, gum disease is often called a “silent” disease. Less than 60% of those with it know they have it, as the signs are hard to notice. Only when the disease reaches an advanced level do most people detect changes in their mouth and gums. By that point, your risk of serious oral health problems is very high.
It Can Be Genetic
There’s no question that bacteria and plaque are the main causes of gum disease. Regardless, genetics can also play a role in whether your gums get infected.
In reality, you can inherit a high risk of gum disease. Certain genetic factors may affect your immune response to this condition’s bacteria, making it more likely for you. That means you must be careful if you have a family history of gum disease; you should get regular dental care and monitor your oral health.
It’s Linked to Other Health Problems
Do you see having gum disease as “bad enough”? Well, it gets worse – the problem can also trigger other health issues.
Research shows a link between gum disease and other systemic health conditions. In particular, infected gums elevate your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. It seems inflamed gum tissue can cause inflammation in other body parts, leading to these dilemmas. You’ll want to clean your gums well every day to avoid them in the future.
This Gum Care Month, don’t make the mistake of neglecting your gums. Talk to your dentist about how to keep your gum tissue healthy!
About the Practice
Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen is based in Jacksonville, FL. Led by Drs. Mullens and Nguyen, our practice has a strong commitment to personalized dental care. We tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services to each patient, ensuring your smile gets the unique help it needs. Our team even has a few ways to treat cases of gum disease! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (904)-399-3163.