JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – Each year, Gum Care Awareness Month is observed in September, and experts from the Carolina Dental Specialty Center in Jacksonville are offering a few simple tips to aid in preventing periodontal (gum) disease, which if left unmanaged, can often result in tooth loss, as well as being painful and expensive to treat.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, roughly 40 percent of American adults aged 30-and-older suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Additionally, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S.

Symptoms can include bad breath, bleeding, loose teeth, pain when chewing, unpleasant taste, red or purple gums, swollen gums and gum recession. If left untreated, bone or tooth loss can occur and more serious complications can develop.

“This may sound clichéd, but preventative care is always the best treatment plan. There is simply no substitute for ensuring you have a good oral hygiene routine,” said Dr. Jose I. Arauz, a board-certified periodontist and director of dentistry at the Carolina Dental Specialty Center. “While we are here and happy to treat whatever condition our patients may have, we’d rather help them with preventing the need to see us, if possible.”

According to Arauz, the following tips can help with preventing periodontal disease:

• Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day, and preferably after each meal
• Floss daily with traditional dental floss or use a water flosser like Waterpik
• Use a good quality toothpaste
• Schedule regular cleanings with a dental hygienist every six months

“While these above tips are critically important, if someone is already suffering from periodontal disease, they may likely need to undergo periodontal maintenance therapy, which is a standard procedure recommended for those who are already experiencing bone loss, gum pockets, bleeding gums or exposed root surfaces,” said Arauz. “If in doubt, make sure to speak to your primary care dentist or feel free to give our team of experts a call.”

About Carolina Dental Specialty Center:

The Carolina Dental Specialty Center specializes in periodontics, robotic dental implants, and oral medicine. Dr. Arauz is a board-certified periodontist trained in dental implant robotics, as well as a Diplomate of The American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration and the American Board of Periodontology.

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