Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Asheville Dentist: Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month with a Healthy Smile

This October our Asheville dental office is celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month on behalf the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. National Dental Hygiene Month is focused on maintaining your oral health with good dental hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial fluoride mouthwash. National Dental Hygiene month is also a great way to raise awareness of oral diseases. Healthy oral hygiene habits will help prevent serious oral diseases such as periodontal (gum) disease from developing.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Your Oral Hygiene
Poor and inadequate oral hygiene can cause great damage to your oral health. The damage can cause an increased amount of plaque and tartar to form within your mouth. This causes mild to moderate gum inflammation, this condition is known as gingivitis—the mildest form of gum disease.
Gum disease occurs when harmful plaque toxins are released throughout your mouth. These harmful toxins will then inflame and infect soft gum tissue. The infection can be strong enough to settle deep into your gums, causing pockets of bacteria to form between your gums and teeth. As gum disease progresses, the gum tissue and bone structure of your mouth will begin to deteriorate and cause eventual tooth loss.
Gum Disease Statistics:
• Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. In fact, 70% of tooth loss is directly related to gum disease.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis.
• Gingivitis is the most common form of periodontal disease, affecting 90% of the population.
Some people may be at a higher risk for developing gum disease. Those who smoke, have a family history of gum disease, or have lowered immunity and poor oral hygiene may be at a greater risk for developing gum disease. However most cases of gum disease are caused by poor oral health and hygiene. Reduce your risk of developing gum disease by daily brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular professional cleanings.
Contact our Asheville NC dentist to schedule a cleaning and gum disease screening today.

   Phillips & Schmitt, DDS, PA   
   1111 Hendersonville Rd      Asheville,      NC      28803    
   Phone: (828) 254-1944    URL of Map