(Black PR Wire) Miami, Fla. September is National Gum Care Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of gum health. Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) encourages the community to take proactive steps to maintain healthy gums.

Gums are the soft tissue in the mouth that surrounds and protects the teeth and their roots. They act as a barrier, keeping bacteria away from the roots of the teeth and the underlaying bone. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, which can harden into tartar and lead to inflammation, infection, and damage to the tissues that support the teeth. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.

“Gum disease can have serious effects if ignored or left untreated,” said Dr. Deborah George, EVP/Chief Dental Officer at JTCHS.“Knowing the warning signs, maintaing a good oral care routine and keeping up with regular dental exams makes all the difference.”

Here are some warning signs that may indicate unhealthy gums:

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender gums when brushing
• Bleeding gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad brath or bad taste
• Changes in the way teeth fit together
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures

A consistent dental hygiene routine can make taking care of the gums easy. For more information about JTCHS Dental Services or to schedule a dental exam, please call 305-637-6400.

The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County's preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org.

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