Women’s Smiles Need TLC, Says Celina and Propser Dentist

Girls may just want to have fun, but what a girl wants – what a girl needs – is to look and feel healthy. Dr. Newton, your Celina and Prosper family dentist, wants you to know, hormone fluctuations during certain phases of life subject women to a higher risk for periodontal disease. As a health-conscious and image-conscious woman, you need to understand the risks you face and how to prevent gum disease.

Red Lips are Sexy, Red Gums Are Not

Gum disease afflicts up to 80% of Americans and is the primary cause for tooth loss in adults. The disease contributes to a heightened potential for many systemic health diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Symptoms of gum disease may be so mild that the condition goes unnoticed. However, some people experience tender, swollen, red or purplish gums. Gums bleeding when you brush and floss may also indicate gum disease.

Puberty, Pregnancy, & Menopause

Girls in puberty, young women during pregnancy, and middle-aged women during menopause can experience hormone fluctuations that contribute to gum disease. Though the hormone peaks and valleys will subside in time, gum disease is a chronic condition. Once you develop gum disease, treatment and maintenance are necessary to deter recurrence.

Prevention & Treatment of Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of gum tissue that usually results from plaque and tartar buildup at the gum line. While brushing and flossing daily will reduce plaque and bad bacteria in your mouth, any plaque left behind will harden into tartar, or calculus, in about 48 hours. Tartar is an insoluble substance that should be removed by a hygienist during dental cleanings. If the hygienist notices signs of gingivitis, the mild, first stage of gum disease, she may recommend a special mouthwash and/or a deep dental cleaning. Left untreated, gum disease won’t go away naturally. Instead, it will advance and destroy the connective tissues between teeth and gums. Common complications include painful abscesses and tooth loosening or loss, followed by jawbone deterioration.

Don’t let gum disease steal your super-model smile! Schedule six-month checkups and cleanings with Dr. Newton at Celina Family Dental. If you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, share your news with Dr. Newton so that she can advise you of the best oral health practices for pregnant women. If you experience red, tender, or swollen gums, or if you are concerned about dental plaque buildup, schedule your visit with Dr. Newton today. Celina Family Dental serves families in Celina, Prosper, a Frisco, McKinney, Gunter, Pilot Point, Anna, and the 75009 area code.