What Is National Gum Care Month and Why Is Oral Health Important?
September is National Gum Care Month, a great time for Nevada residents to think about their oral health.
So, why is oral health so important that it deserves its own month? Aside from the fact healthy gums are the prerequisite to a healthy smile, oral health is directly tied to overall health. Problems that begin in the mouth can become life threatening health issues elsewhere in the body.
Your oral health must be taken seriously, and you deserve a dentist who agrees. At Absolute Dental, we understand just how important healthy mouths and gums are to your family. In honor of this important month, below you’ll find some tips on how to keep your smiles bright and healthy every month of the year.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known colloquially as gum disease, is caused by a sticky film in your mouth called plaque. This film is made up of naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth and their waste products.
If plaque isn’t regularly removed by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist, tartar can form. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that only a dentist can effectively remove. Both tartar and plaque contribute to gum disease by causing inflammation and infection.
What Are the Early Signs of Gum Disease?
The early signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums (especially when brushing or eating)
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
- Gums that are pulling away from the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Swollen gums
- Tender or painful gums
- Discolored gums
- Red gums
- Bad taste in the mouth that doesn’t go away
If you notice any of these factors, especially if they persist for more than a few days, you should see a dentist right away. In the early stages, gum disease is very treatable. The earlier you come in and see us, the better your prognosis is likely to be. Don’t wait.
When Should I See a Periodontist?
Often the first step in seeing a periodontist is first seeing a regular dentist for a checkup and cleaning. Periodontists specialize in the care of the gums, and a good dentist can tell you if you should see one.
Here at Absolute Dental, we have excellent periodontists right on staff. If you need to see a specialist, we can book an appointment for you quickly and easily onsite.
What Are Risk Factors for Gum Disease?
The biggest risk factor for gum disease is poor oral health. Those without other risk factors can generally avoid gum disease by brushing twice per day, flossing once in the evenings, and visiting a dentist for a cleaning every six months or as directed.
Other risk factors can include:
- Some diseases, such as diabetes
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Vaping
- Certain medications, especially those that cause dry mouth
- Illegal drug use, especially methamphetamine
- Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy
If you have any of these additional risk factors, you should speak with your dentist about how you may better protect against gum disease at home.
How Can Patients Prevent Gum Disease at Home?
For most people, gum disease is very preventable at home with good oral hygiene habits.
You should always brush your teeth twice per day, in the morning and before bed. Always use toothpaste that contains fluoride and is recommended by the American Dental Association. Electric toothbrushes can be an excellent choice as well.
You should also floss every night before bed. If you’re just starting, your gums may bleed a little bit. This is usually okay, as long as it goes away within a week or two. Do not skip sessions flossing or brushing.
You may also elect to use a mouthwash. This can be a good idea, but it should never take the place of brushing or flossing.
Finally, see your dentist twice a year, or every six months, for a checkup and cleaning, unless directed otherwise. This will ensure to keep tartar and plaque at bay, and that we can spot any issues before they become a problem.
Think Absolute Dental for All of Your Gum Care Support
Absolute Dental is committed to helping patients achieve their ideal smile and perfect oral health. That starts with healthy gums and teeth.
Our dedicated gum and oral health services include exams, professional deep cleaning, advanced periodontal treatments, like gum grafting and scaling, and even oral surgery. We welcome the whole family, including children, and provide many different levels of comfort, including sleep dentistry.
Our staff is among the best in all of Las Vegas, our dental offices are state-of-the-art, and our patient-centered focus ensures you and the whole family are never treated like a number but the valued customer you are. We value you as a person and your oral care is an extension of that.
We accept almost all forms of insurance, and offer payment plans and other innovative ways to pay for dental care for those without it.
Don’t wait for National Gum Care Month to have passed. Call today and keep your smile and your gums healthy and safe.
Sources:
Dental Plaque. (2025).
How Bacterial Plaque Causes Gum Disease and Tooth Decay. (2024).
Nazir, M. (2017). Prevalence of periodontal disease, its association with systemic diseases and prevention.