For National Gum Disease Awareness Month, prioritize your oral and dental hygiene. Gum disease starts when plaque, a bacteria-filled substance – builds up along the gum line. Plaque can cause an infection that hurts the gum and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque also can cause gingivitis, the earliest gum disease stage. Gingivitis causes your gums to become inflamed, tender, red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. It can also lead to developing periodontitis, an advanced gum disease that impacts the bones that hold your teeth in place. If you leave it untreated, it can decay the gums, bones, and tissues connected to your teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), signs that you might have gum disease include consistently lousy taste or breath, separating or loose permanent teeth, gums that easily bleed, gums that are swollen, red, or tender, and gums that have pulled away from your teeth. Keep in mind that gum disease is preventable. Here are a few products you can help keep your gums healthy.
