The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

February 14, 2013

Tomblin declares February gum disease awareness month

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has signed an official proclamation to recognize February 2013 as “Gum Disease Awareness Month” in West Virginia.

According to a release, gum disease is a health risk that affects over 85 percent of Americans. It is one of the most common diseases in the country, even more prevalent than cancer, heart disease and arthritis.

The campaign was launched by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry in effort to raise awareness about the dangers of gum disease.

Although the consequences can be serious, the condition can be treated with a variety of options, including regular check-ups to laser gum surgery.

University research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, pre-term and still births, and even certain types of cancer, according to the release.

Although 85 percent of American adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, fewer than half of those are diagnosed.

Symptoms of gum disease are often ignored until the disease is in advanced stages, such as tooth loss.

Early warning signs include gums that bleed easily, red or tender gums, pus between teeth and gums when pressed, chronic bad breath or bad taste in your mouth, a noticeable change in the way your teeth fit together, loose teeth and partials or dentures fitting differently.

To learn more about gum disease, risk factors, and treatment options, visit www.fightgumdisease.com, Facebook or Twitter.

 — E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

Text Only
Local News