Oklahoma declares February 'Gum Disease Awareness Month'

Oklahoma has officially declared February “Gum Disease Awareness Month” to draw public attention to the dangers and widespread nature of the disease. Gum disease is one of the most common diseases in the United States — more prevalent than cancer, heart disease, even arthritis! The consequences can be serious, but the condition can be treated in every patient. Periodontal disease treatment options range from regular check-ups to conventional gum surgery, with laser gum surgery as the patient-friendly alternative.

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Mounting university research links periodontal disease to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, preterm and still births, and certain cancers. More than 85% of Americans adults suffer from some degree of periodontal disease, but fewer than half are diagnosed. Often symptoms of gum disease are ignored until the disease is in advanced stages, when tooth loss is common.

Oklahoma has adopted Gum Disease Awareness Month in order to educate its citizens about widespread health threat of gum disease and the importance of prevention and treatment.

To learn more about periodontal disease, risk factors, early warning signs, and treatment options, including a patient-friendly laser treatment alternative, visit www.fightgumdisease.com or join the movement at www.facebook.com/fightgumdisease and www.twitter.com/fightgumdisease.

ABOUT GUM DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH: Gum Disease Awareness Month is an annual event aimed at helping people make lifelong improvements in their health and quality of life by sharing information and spreading awareness of the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and treatment options available in the fight against periodontal disease. With a key message of encouragement to take an active role in preventing gum disease, recognizing risk factors, getting diagnosed, and seeking treatment — the initiative is supported by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, a nonprofit educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based clinical training in laser dentistry therapies. For more information, visit www.fightgumdisease.com.