Gum Disease Treatment at Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, usually begins with plaque buildup on teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause inflammation in the gums and mouth. If left untreated, plaque will harden into tartar, a hardened calculus. Tartar forms a protective barrier against toothbrush bristles. This will cause gum recession and bone loss around teeth, which may result in tooth loss over time.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss or brush my teeth?
There are several reasons why gums bleed when brushing and flossing. Sometimes, brushing teeth too hard, using a toothbrush with too firm bristles, or aggressive flossing is to blame. While it is important to brush and floss daily, you should be careful not to abrade or cut the gum tissue and cause bleeding.
If your gums bleed daily, it may be a sign of a more serious oral health concern. Lazer Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry offers gum disease treatments in Baltimore to stop bleeding gums.
Gum disease is a serious condition that affects nearly 3 out of every 4 American adults.
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, causes bleeding gums. Plaque and tartar buildup inflames the gum tissues and leads to bleeding. Most people notice gums bleeding when they brush or floss their teeth. Along with bleeding gums, many patients usually experience sore gums.
Once gum disease begins to cause bleeding gums, the bacterial infection has already spread. It is important to visit the dentist regularly to allow for early diagnosis of gingivitis. Gum inflammation can develop into gum disease if it is not treated soon enough.
The Effects of Gum Disease
Gum disease can lead to a range of health problems, from missing teeth to heart disease and diabetes. Routine visits to the dentist are the best way to combat gum disease and prevent serious problems from occurring.
Gum disease can increase your risk of:
- Tooth loss
- Gum recession
- Halitosis
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Loss of jaw bone tissue
Gum disease is marked by gum inflammation. As inflammation spreads through the bloodstream, it can worsen problems like diabetes or heart disease. Over time, as gum disease degrades the gum tissue, patients can experience severe gum recession and tooth loss.
There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease. You can reverse gingivitis with an improved oral hygiene routine. Your dentist can also easily reverse it with routine professional teeth cleanings.
- Chronic Periodontitis is a serious and harmful form of gum disease. Gum disease is not reversible, but it is treatable. We diagnose it by looking for gum recession and bone deterioration.
How can I fix bleeding gums?
First, always seek professional help from a dentist for bleeding gums treatment. Never attempt to self-treat bleeding gums or use over-the-counter medications without the advice of a dental professional.
First, your dentist must determine the cause of your bleeding gums. If your issues stem from gingivitis, the dentist will remove plaque from the exposed parts of the teeth and gums. Your dentist may recommend antibacterial rinses and other aids to reduce gum inflammation and cure gingivitis.
If you require gum disease treatment, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planning. Scaling and root planing are procedures where the dentist cleans the deep pockets of the gums to remove bacteria and debris. The dentist may also place antibacterial medicine in the gum pockets for gradual healing. Oral surgery may be necessary in severe cases of gum disease.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so seeking treatment for bleeding gums is extremely important. We will discuss your gum disease and bleeding gums treatment options when you visit our office. Learn more about gum disease treatments on our website.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Read answers to common questions that many patients have about bleeding gums and gum disease:
Are bleeding gums a sign of gum disease?
If your gums bleed on a routine basis, they are most likely a symptom of gum disease. The most common sign of gum disease is bleeding gums. Gum pain, sore gums, and gums bleeding may all be present in patients who have gingivitis or gum inflammation.
Can pregnancy cause my gums to bleed?
Bleeding gums during pregnancy is very common because of hormonal changes. Pregnant women should continue to brush and floss but be extra cautious around sensitive gum tissue to prevent bleeding. It is important to maintain routine visits to the dentist during pregnancy to monitor gum health. It is safe for pregnant patients to visit the dentist for routine treatments like dental cleanings.
How long does it take for gums to heal from gum disease?
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, typically begins to clear up in one to two weeks. As the disease progresses, it is harder to heal. However, results from professional dental treatment should show after a couple of in-office sessions.
Will flossing stop bleeding gums?
Daily flossing can reverse bleeding gums if you have gingivitis. Consistently flossing before brushing your teeth will remove debris from between your teeth. In several weeks, you can notice your gums no longer bleeding. However, if you have other symptoms of gum disease, flossing may not be enough to treat your gums.
Can gum disease make you tired?
Yes. Gum disease can cause fatigue. When bacteria in the mouth enter the bloodstream, it infects other parts of your body. Once infection reaches organs, it can cause you to feel tired. You can feel tired because your body is overworking to fight the infection.
Can gum disease spread?
It is possible for gum disease to spread throughout the body, but it’s not common. Gum disease can cause inflammation in the body. In many cases, gum disease can lead to other conditions like heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. If left untreated, it can spread to patients’ lymph nodes, eyes, and heart as well.
Visit Our Baltimore Dental Office for Gum Disease Treatment
If you’re searching for dentists in Baltimore, MD, who can fix gum disease, visit Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry. We provide gum disease treatments for all ages. Schedule a dental appointment on our website or call our office at (410) 697-6290.