{"id":121,"date":"2023-09-05T18:44:41","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T18:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rossavefamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=121"},"modified":"2023-10-30T18:48:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T18:48:36","slug":"4-helpful-facts-about-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rossavefamilydental.com\/blog\/2023\/09\/05\/4-helpful-facts-about-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Helpful Facts About Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"
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September is National Gum Care Month which makes it the perfect time to spread awareness that oral health involves much more than just our teeth. Did you know, for example, that gum disease<\/a> is the leading cause of tooth loss? Keep reading to learn 4 more interesting facts about gum health to keep in mind this month that you might not already have known!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Fact #1: Gum Disease Comes In Stages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease doesn\u2019t happen all at once. It develops in stages over time. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Gingivitis.<\/strong> This is the earlier stage and frequently goes unnoticed. It happens when unhealthy bacteria gather below the gumline and begin to cause infection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Periodontitis<\/strong>. This later stage develops if gingivitis is allowed to progress untreated. As plaque and infection begin to thrive, your gums pull away to protect themselves. This receding cannot be reversed and leaves the vulnerable undersides of your teeth exposed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s important to treat gum disease early to avoid irreversible consequences if you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fact #2: Gum Disease Is Hard to Detect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Gum disease is particularly difficult to detect because there are so few actual symptoms until periodontitis develops. In fact, it\u2019s known as a \u201csilent\u201d disease because up to 60% of the people who have it are completely unaware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fact #3: Age Doesn\u2019t Matter to Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You might think that younger children are less likely to develop oral health issues, but even infants without all of their pearly whites can still develop gum disease. Although periodontitis is perhaps not as frequently seen in younger children, gingivitis is as prevalent as cavities!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fact #4: Gum Disease Is Preventable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Although gum disease is notoriously hard to catch, it\u2019s fortunately also highly preventable. Having a consistent dental hygiene routine in place greatly reduces your risk. You can avoid gum disease by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n