Reed Family Dentistry marks National Gum Care Month with prevention push

Reed Family Dentistry is using National Gum Care Month to urge Americans to pay closer attention to gum health, citing CDC data showing nearly half of U.S. adults have some form of periodontal disease. The Memphis-area practice says early care, daily home habits and regular dental visits can help prevent gum disease and reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Why it matters: - Nearly half of U.S. adults have some form of periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. - Reed Family Dentistry says gum care affects more than the mouth and can support overall health.

What happened: - Reed Family Dentistry marked September as National Gum Care Month with a prevention-focused message for patients and the public. - Father-and-son dentists Dr. Kevin Reed and Dr. Taylor Reed urged people to check their gum health and build better daily habits. - The practice is based in Memphis-area communities, with offices in Covington, Tennessee, and Millington, Tennessee.

The details: - Gingivitis starts when plaque builds up along the gumline and triggers inflammation. - Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can damage the tissue and bone that support teeth. - Dr. Kevin Reed said gingivitis is often preventable and can usually be managed when caught early with professional care and better oral hygiene. - Reed Family Dentistry recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. - The practice recommends cleaning between the teeth daily with dental floss or another dentist-recommended interdental cleaner. - The practice also recommends using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash when appropriate. - Toothbrushes or toothbrush heads should be replaced about every three to four months, or sooner if bristles fray. - Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings remain part of the prevention plan. - Dr. Taylor Reed said plaque and bacteria can collect where a toothbrush cannot reach, especially between teeth and along the gumline. - Warning signs include bad breath that does not go away, red or swollen gums, gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, gums that appear to recede, increased sensitivity, loose or shifted teeth, pain while chewing and changes in how teeth fit together. - Dr. Taylor Reed said bleeding gums should not be accepted as normal and should be evaluated if the problem continues. - Dentists generally recommend brushing gently along the gumline instead of scrubbing aggressively. - Patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste unless a dentist recommends another option. - When flossing, patients should curve the floss around each tooth and move it up and down along the sides instead of snapping it into the gums. - Water flossers and interdental brushes can also be effective for some patients. - Mouthwash can add benefit, but it should supplement brushing and cleaning between the teeth, not replace them. - Dr. Kevin Reed said there is no one-size-fits-all oral-care routine and some patients may need specific products based on individual needs. - A balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and other nutrient-dense foods can help support healthy tissues and the immune system. - Drinking water can help rinse away food particles and support saliva production. - Limiting frequent sugary foods and beverages can reduce conditions that contribute to oral-health problems. - Smoking and tobacco use can raise the risk of gum disease by making it harder for the body to fight infection and heal damaged gum tissue. - Smoking can also hide symptoms such as bleeding gums, allowing periodontal disease to advance without obvious warning signs. - Researchers have linked periodontal disease with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory problems. - Poor oral health has also been associated with cognitive health concerns.

Between the lines: - The campaign frames gum care as a year-round prevention issue, not a one-time September reminder. - The message leans on early detection because inflammation and bleeding can be easier to address before disease becomes advanced. - The practice is also pushing patients to think beyond brushing alone, since daily interdental cleaning and lifestyle choices shape risk.

What's next: - Reed Family Dentistry is urging patients to use National Gum Care Month to review their home-care routine and schedule a dental visit if they notice bleeding, swelling, sensitivity or other changes. - The practice says healthy gums are most achievable through consistent home care, healthier lifestyle choices and regular professional dental care. - Reed Family Dentistry wants patients to keep gum health a priority throughout the year, not just in September.

The bottom line: - Gum disease is common, often gradual and frequently preventable when patients catch problems early and stick to daily habits.