February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month

TMJ disorder affects millions of Americans, especially women between the ages of 20 and 40.

Do you experience throbbing tension headaches? What about unexplained soreness in your neck and shoulders? Have normal activities like chewing or speaking become painful? You may be experiencing the painful effects of TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorder, also referred to as TMD, is often overlooked during medical exams and could even be misdiagnosed. A dentist can help you identify and treat the cause of your pain rather than just the symptoms.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by the ongoing attacks of the bacteria that live in dental plaque. Plaque is that sticky, colorless coating you can feel on your teeth before you brush them. The reason you need to brush and floss every day is to remove this bacterial film, which otherwise attacks tooth enamel and gum tissue to break them down. Plaque that isn’t removed daily quickly hardens into tartar, which then needs to be removed at your six-month dental checkup using special tools.

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. It’s a severe infection that seriously damages your soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, if not properly treated. This typically leads to loose teeth or tooth loss. The good news is that it’s highly preventable and generally occurs due to poor oral hygiene.

The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis while the later stage is known as periodontal disease.

what is gum disease - eburg dental

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing at least once a day, and using fluoride toothpaste to ensure your tooth enamel stays strong. It’s also important to maintain a healthy diet that’s high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and low in sugars and carbs. Finally, it’s vital that you come in for regular checkups and cleanings every six months so that our dental hygienists and dentist can give your teeth a professional clean and check your teeth for any signs of oral health issues.

Other Causes:

Gum disease is normally caused by poor oral hygiene, however other factors might play a role as well, which include:
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Smoking or chewing tobacco

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Hormonal changes

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Alcohol

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Poor nutrition - eating a diet very high in sugar

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Lack of dental care

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Crooked or overlapping teeth which inhibit proper flossing and brushing

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Cancer

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Stress

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Diabetes mellitus

Better Dentistry is Our Mission

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