{"id":20,"date":"2020-02-07T22:24:53","date_gmt":"2020-02-07T22:24:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stalbansdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=20"},"modified":"2020-02-20T22:26:34","modified_gmt":"2020-02-20T22:26:34","slug":"gum-disease-treatment-st-albans-february","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stalbansdentistry.com\/blog\/2020\/02\/07\/gum-disease-treatment-st-albans-february\/","title":{"rendered":"February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It’s that special time of year again when we think about loved ones, chocolates, and… gum disease? February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month! It’s a great time to take a break from buying flowers and making dinner plans to take a look at your gums. Are they a nice pink color, or are they bright red? The later could be a warning sign of unhealthy gum tissue, which could lead to infections, tooth loss, and larger health issues. Find out from your dentist in St. Albans everything you need to know about the incredibly common condition known as gum disease<\/a>.<\/p>

Why is Gum Disease a Big Deal?<\/h2>

When plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth, they don’t just\neat away at your enamel and create cavities. They also attack your gums and\ncause a bacterial infection known as periodontal disease, or gum disease. Although\nthe earliest symptoms can be reversed, as the infection grows, it begins to\ncause more permanent damage. Eventually, the bacteria will begin to destroy\nyour jawbone and the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. <\/p>

The effects of gum disease don’t just stop at your smile. A\ngrowing body of research suggests that the harmful bacteria from gum disease and\nthe resulting inflammation can spread throughout your body to negatively influence\nyour overall health. Although more study is needed, researchers have found\nlinks between gum disease and diabetes, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, birth\ncomplications, and heart disease. <\/p>

Do I Have Gum Disease?<\/h2>

It’s estimated that nearly half of American adults have gum\ndisease. Symptoms to be on the lookout for include:<\/p>