Gum disease is an insidious little menace that starts out small before blooming into a destructive infection that causes permanent damage to your gums, teeth, and jaw. It begins as gingivitis, and while this infection can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, it often goes unnoticed for far too long. Here’s a quick overview of a few gum disease risk factors along with a few measures you can take to help keep your mouth infection-free.

Your habits can make or break your oral health. While it’s common knowledge that brushing and flossing are essential for your oral hygiene, there are many habits that can have positive or negative effects on your teeth and gums. While breathing through your mouth may seem like a harmless and involuntary practice, it makes your teeth vulnerable to infection and injury. Here is a brief overview from your dentist of the risks that come with mouth breathing.