Bleeding gums are a common symptom of gum disease. If you have problems with your gums, it’s important to receive treatment as soon as possible to avoid severe side effects, up to and including tooth loss. In its early stages, gum disease is much easier to treat than when it becomes more widespread and severe.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
In order to preserve your oral health, you should be aware of changes in your gums and teeth, including symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease. Our dentist will check for symptoms during your regular checkups, but treatment is more effective the sooner it begins, so be sure to keep a lookout for any problems. Some symptoms that could indicate a problem include:
- Bleeding from the gums when you brush your teeth
- Swollen or reddened gums
- Gums with a purplish or shiny appearance
- Extreme sensitivity
The presence of infection in your gums can lead to other problems aside from tooth loss or oral issues. The infection can spread, affecting your facial bones, jawbone, sinuses, or even your brain. In addition, studies have shown that gum disease increases the chances of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining your oral health, then, helps preserve the health of your entire body.
Treatment of Gum Disease
There is a variety of treatments for gum disease, from relatively simple to invasive techniques such as gum surgery. The type of treatment you need depends upon how far your gum disease has advanced. In its early stages when you’ve only developed minor inflammation, treatment often involves a special toothpaste or mouthwash to eliminate the bacteria from your mouth. If gum disease isn’t diagnosed until later, though, you could require more complex treatments like:
- Planing and scaling—a deep-cleaning technique
- Gum surgery
- Gum grafts
Without this treatment, your teeth become loose as the gums pull farther and farther back from your tooth roots. The eventual result is tooth loss, often involving multiple teeth. In fact, gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss.
Contact us at Fresh Dental to schedule your next appointment with our caring team!