February Is Gum Disease Awareness Month
Throughout February, dentists all around the UK have been promoting awareness of gum disease. Most individuals will experience some mild gum disease during their lifetime - symptoms can include redness, soreness and bleeding. Around 10% of the population seem to be susceptible to more severe forms of gum disease that can lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss.
The Silent Disease
Many people have gum disease and just live with it. They might be symptomless or experiencing a mild irritation that they just put up with. If they don’t see a dentist, the disease may become more serious - especially for the 10% of adults who are more susceptible. There doesn’t seem to be an exact answer to who exactly is more susceptible to serious gum disease, but risk factors include family history of gum disease, stress, and smoking.
Periodontitis and General Health
There is a correlation between people who have gum disease and people who experience general health issues, including heart disease. One possible explanation for this is that the pockets of bacteria below the gumline enter the bloodstream and cause problems elsewhere in the body.
The Good News
The good news is that gum disease is both preventable and treatable. So, if you don’t have symptoms, maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist should prevent it from occurring. And if you do have symptoms, your dentist can take actions to remove the infection and restore your healthy smile.
Specialist Treatments
In serious cases, your dentist can refer you to a Dental Specialist. Here at Norfolk Dental Specialists, we have a number of highly trained periodontists who have advanced training in gum treatments including Hamed Karimi and Imran Sharif who are specialists in periodontics.
Let’s make this gum disease awareness month the last February that you worry about your gums! If you have concerns about gum health and would like to book an appointment to chat about treatment by Norfolk Dental Specialists, call us now on 01603 632525 or fill out the form on our contact page.