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February Is Gum Disease Awareness Month

by Feb 14, 2026General Dentistry

gum disease awareness month

Table of Contents

 

Key Points

  • Gum disease is an extremely common condition that, left untreated, can lead to serious oral and general health problems.
  • February is “Gum Disease Awareness Month,” a time to shed light on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this condition. 
  • Understanding risk factors and treatment options can help patients prevent and combat gum disease.

 

According to a landmark study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, more than 42 percent of adults aged 30 and older in the United States have some form of periodontitis, the medical term for gum disease. The prevalence jumps to 60 percent for adults aged 65 and older.1

Perhaps most alarming is that many of these individuals have no idea their gums are in trouble. That is why, every February, we try to raise awareness about the dangers of periodontitis. Read on to learn about Gum Disease Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to help people understand one of the most common yet overlooked dental health issues affecting millions of Americans, including how it is combatted and treated.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place.2</sup. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along and below the gumline. 

If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Left untreated, the bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gums and eventually destroy the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth.

Gum disease has two primary stages. The first is gingivitis, which is mild and reversible with proper care. The second is periodontitis, which is a more advanced and serious form that can lead to tooth loss if not addressed.3

Note that gum disease is also linked to systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory problems.4 This means it is a concern related to your whole body, not just your mouth.

What Does Gum Disease Look Like?

One of the trickiest things about gum disease is that it can develop gradually and, for that reason, many people do not notice the signs until the condition has already progressed. So, what does gum disease look like? Here are some visual and physical indicators to be aware of:

  • Gums that appear red, puffy, or swollen rather than a healthy pink color
  • Gums that bleed easily when you brush, floss, or eat hard foods
  • Gums that are receding from the teeth, making teeth appear longer than normal
  • Pus or discharge between the teeth and gums
  • Teeth that look dark or discolored near the gumline due to tartar buildup
  • Visible gaps or pockets forming between the teeth and gums

These visual signs are often accompanied by uncomfortable or painful sensations, and they should never be ignored. If you notice any of these changes in your mouth, it is time to visit your dentist for expert periodontal care.

Gum Disease Warning Signs

Beyond the visible signs, gum disease symptoms can include sensations and changes you might feel rather than see. Being aware of these warning signs can help you catch the problem early, when treatment is most effective. Common gum disease symptoms include:

  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that fails to go away even after brushing
  • Tender or sore gums, especially when touched or when chewing
  • Sensitive teeth, particularly to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
  • Loose or shifting teeth that were not loose before
  • Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
  • Pain when chewing
  • Dentures or partial dentures that no longer fit properly

It is worth noting that gum disease is sometimes called the “silent disease” because some forms, particularly in the earlier stages, can progress with very few noticeable symptoms. This is why routine dental checkups are so important—your dentist can detect early-stage gum disease before you even realize anything is wrong.

Who Is at Risk for Gum Disease?

While gum disease can affect anyone, certain factors make some people more susceptible than others. Risk factors include:

  • Smoking or tobacco use, which significantly impairs your gums’ ability to heal
  • Diabetes, which can make gum infections harder to control
  • Hormonal changes in women, including pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
  • Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum tissue changes
  • Genetics—some people are simply more prone to gum disease, even with good oral hygiene
  • Poor nutrition, particularly a diet low in vitamins C and D
  • Stress, which weakens the immune system’s ability to fight infection

If any of these factors apply to you, it is especially important to keep up with regular dental visits and maintain a thorough at-home oral hygiene routine.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Fortunately, gum disease is treatable, and the sooner you seek care, the better your outcomes will be. Gum disease treatment varies depending on how advanced the condition is. At ProGrin Family Dental, we offer a range of options to meet patients right where they are in their periodontal health journey.

For Mild Gum Disease (Gingivitis):

  • Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline
  • Personalized oral hygiene instruction to improve at-home brushing and flossing habits
  • Antimicrobial mouth rinses or gels to reduce bacterial levels

For Moderate to Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis):

  • Scaling and root planing — a deep-cleaning procedure that removes tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to prevent bacteria from reattaching
  • Antibiotic therapy, either topical or oral, to combat infection
  • Surgical intervention for severe cases, such as flap surgery or bone grafting, to restore damaged tissue and bone
  • Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits, typically every three to four months, to keep gum disease under control

Knowing how to treat gum disease starts with a proper diagnosis. Every patient’s situation is unique, which is why our team tailors treatment plans to the individual. We take the time to explain what we find, what your options are, and what to expect throughout the process.

Schedule Gum Disease Treatment Today

Gum Disease Awareness Month is a great reminder that healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Whether you might be dealing with the early signs of gingivitis or have been putting off care for more advanced gum concerns, our compassionate and experienced team is here to help.

As the go-to dentist Greenville SC residents rely on,  ProGrin Family Dental is committed to providing personalized, thorough, and comfortable care for every patient who walks through our doors. Do not wait until gum disease has progressed to the point of pain or tooth loss. Call our office today to schedule a comprehensive exam, and let us help you take the first step toward optimal gum health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease

Is gum disease reversible?

It depends on the stage. Gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, is completely reversible with a professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene at home. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) cannot be fully reversed, but it can be effectively managed and controlled with the right treatment plan.

Can I have gum disease without knowing it?

Unfortunately, yes. Gum disease is often called the “silent disease” because it can progress for months or even years without causing significant pain. Many patients are genuinely surprised when we identify gum disease during a routine exam. This is one of the biggest reasons we recommend coming in for regular checkups at least twice a year, even when everything feels fine.

Does gum disease affect my overall health, not just my teeth?

Yes, and the research on this is compelling.5 Gum disease has been linked to a number of serious systemic health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and respiratory illness. Also, the bacteria associated with gum infections can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation throughout the body. Treating and preventing gum disease is genuinely an investment in your whole-body health, not just your smile.

How do I know if I need a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning?

That is a great question, and the answer depends on the health of your gums. A standard cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from above and just at the gumline and is appropriate for patients with healthy gums or mild inflammation. A deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove bacteria from the pockets that form when gums pull away from the teeth. We assess your gum pocket depths at every exam and will always explain our findings and recommendations clearly before moving forward with any treatment.

How can I prevent gum disease from coming back after treatment?

Consistency is key. After completing gum disease treatment, most patients are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule—typically every three to four months—rather than the standard six-month cleaning schedule. In addition to those visits, daily brushing and flossing, avoiding tobacco, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet all play a major role in keeping gum disease from recurring. Our team will work with you to create a long-term plan that fits your lifestyle and your specific risk factors.

References

  1. “Periodontal Disease in Adults (Age 30 or Older),” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, August 2021, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/periodontal-disease/adults.
  2. “Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease),” Cleveland Clinic, April 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21482-gum-periodontal-disease.
  3. “Overview: Gingivitis and periodontitis,” National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, August 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279593/.
  4. “Gum disease may be linked to plaque buildup in arteries, higher risk of major CVD events,” American Heart Association, December 2025, https://newsroom.heart.org/news/gum-disease-may-be-linked-to-plaque-buildup-in-arteries-higher-risk-of-major-cvd-events.
  5. Ibid.