If you think your gums are just getting sore from daily tooth brushing, you may be in for a rude awakening if you ignore the problem any longer. Bleeding gums are the first stage of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, and it can cause serious issues with your oral health down the road if you don’t take care of it now.
Dr. Mike Deldar at Deldar Dental, Noblesville provides gum (periodontal) disease treatment. In this article he provides three things you need to know about periodontal (gum) disease and what can be done about it.
My gums are bleeding. What is going on?
If your gums are bleeding, it’s important not to ignore it. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums and bones that support your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Learn more.
There are three main stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis:
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If you have gingivitis, your gums may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease. In this stage, your gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets between them. The pockets collect bacteria, which can irritate the tissue around your teeth and make it harder for you to fight off infections.
Advanced periodontitis can lead to loosening of one or more teeth as well as tooth loss if left untreated, or even heart disease.
When you live in Noblesville, Carmel, or Fishers, and you think you might have gum disease – please contact Deldar Dental as soon as possible. Treatments can vary depending on how far along in the process your gum disease is. But remember: The sooner you seek treatment for gum disease, the better chance you’ll get at saving your natural teeth!
What are the 3 most common symptoms of gum disease?
The 3 most common symptoms of gum disease are:
1. Bleeding gums
This is usually the first symptom people notice. Gum disease causes your gums to become inflamed and bleed easily, even with gentle brushing.
2. Swollen gums
Another common symptom of gum disease is swollen or puffy gums. This can be a sign that your body is fighting off an infection.
3. Bad breath
As gum disease progresses, you may notice that your breath becomes bad. When bacteria grow below the gum line, they have a foul smell and contribute to bad breath if not removed.
In general, gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque irritates your gum tissue and eventually damages it, leading to gum disease. Gum disease treatment typically involves using dental floss, toothbrush, mouthwash, and scaling/root planing performed by a dentist like Dr. Mike Deldar at Deldar Dental in Noblesville, who has been trained in periodontitis care.
Scaling removes plaque buildup around the gum line as well as tartar deposits beneath the gum line where bacteria grow. Root planing is a technique in which dental instruments (e.g., scaler) are used to smooth rough spots along the root surfaces of the teeth below the gum line. The goal is to remove any debris that might lead to further inflammation in those areas; this reduces risk for re-infection over time and prevents bone loss in these areas that might result in tooth loss
How does periodontal disease treatment work?
Periodontal disease treatment generally involves a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums, followed by a round of antibiotics. The specific gum disease treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums. Periodontal disease requires making regular dental visits for cleanings and checkups.
Do you think you have periodontal (gum) disease and are you looking for periodontal disease treatment in Noblesville, Carmel, or Fishers? Make an appointment with Dr. Mike Deldar at Deldar Dental today!
