A common misconception is that bleeding gums are normal when brushing or flossing. However, swollen/bleeding gums are a sign that your gums are infected with bacteria. If the signs are ignored the infection will spread and begin to affect the foundational structure of your mouth.
Periodontal disease affects the structures that keep your teeth in place. It develops when tissues and bones around your teeth become infected. There are two types of periodontal diseases: periodontal disease and gingivitis. The two differ because gingivitis only develops in your gums, while periodontal disease penetrates deeper and damages the tissues and bones in your mouth.
What causes the disease?
Our mouths have good and bad bacteria. It’s important to prioritize oral care to ensure that you maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Periodontal disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Infrequent brushing and flossing allows plaque – a film of bacteria – to build up on your teeth and gums and then harden. Tartar forms when plaque hardens, which cannot be removed by brushing. Only a cleaning performed by a dentist or oral hygienist can remove it, which makes regular visits to your dentist is very important. In addition, smoking can be a significant trigger.
What Are The Symptoms
The symptoms of gingivitis are usually swollen/tender gums, bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing, and bad breath. If you notice that you gums have started to pull away from your teeth, or puss is coming from your gums then you might have periodontal disease. In its worst stages, you may experience tooth loss.
Diagnosis
If you may have periodontal disease, a visit to your dentist will give you the answers that you need to help you improve the health of your gums. During a dental visit, your dentist will:
- Examine your gums and look for any signs of inflammation
- Use a probe to measure your gums; a good depth is usually around 1-3 mm
- Take an x-ray to determine if there is any bone loss
Treatment
Treatment for every patient will vary depending on the degree of gum disease. The main intent of treatment will be to control the infection. Treatment is not only in the dentist’s office but also requires patients to keep up with good oral care at home. If you are a smoker/chew tobacco, your dentist may suggest you work on changing those behaviours to aid the success of your treatment.
Preventative Measures
To ensure that you stay on top of your oral health, you should:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss
- Don’t eat food with a lot of sugar or sugary drinks excessively
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco
For all of your dental needs from cosmetics to hospital dentists, visit us at Slipacoff Dental, we will help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Equipped with the best and knowledgeable dentists and team, rest assured that you will be in great hands.
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