As September is National Gum Health Month, this is an ideal time to learn more about gum disease: what it is, how to prevent it and its symptoms. Dr. David Lerner, DDS, founder of The Center for Holistic Dentistry, has seen mouths from all over the region and beyond, in his Yorktown Heights office. He shares that when a dentist looks inside a patient’s mouth, they can tell a lot more about their health than just how often a person is brushing.

Dr. Lerner, you’ve likened oral health to a window into a person’s lifestyle and habits. Can you elaborate? 
Without proper oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth can lead to gum disease. Healthy gums play an important role in your overall health. They protect not only your teeth and jawbone; they also prevent infection from entering the rest of your body.

If you’re not taking care of the rest of your body, your gums will give it away. Hormones, sickness, stress, diet, smoking, prescription medicine and more, can all affect your gum health, and that goes both ways. If you don’t take care of your gums, the consequences will stretch beyond just your mouth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 20 to 30 percent of Americans have gum disease, putting them at risk for tooth loss, bone loss, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, dementia and pre-term birth, to name a few.

What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the surrounding and supporting structures of your teeth. It is caused by a build-up of the by-products released by detrimental bacteria. You’ll know your gums are not in tip-top shape if you experience redness or other discoloration, pain or soreness, bleeding during regular brushing or flossing. Other symptoms include gum recession, chronic bad breath and/or tooth loss.

None of these conditions are desirable. The longer these symptoms are left untreated, the more detrimental they can become to your dental and physical health.

What’s the best way to maintain good oral health? 
Proper oral hygiene is simple. Brush at least twice daily, floss once a day and consider using a water pic. In addition, visit your dentist twice a year for a regular check-up and cleaning. If you’re not taking care of your teeth and gums, you can do long-term damage to your overall health. If gum disease becomes advanced, you may need more extensive gum disease treatments which can be unpleasant and costly.