Cure Your Gums and Feel the Relief
It is estimated that 2 out of 3 adults have some form of gum disease that may compromise their oral health. Bleeding gums are a common dental concern and a sign of gum disease. Dr. Morgan Chambers can recommend appropriate periodontal therapy treatment options to restore oral health and treat bleeding gums in Lexington, KY.
If you notice your gums bleeding during flossing or brushing, it is imperative that you visit a trusted dental professional. Bleeding gums are typically a symptom of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can impact the health and stability of the teeth, gums, and surrounding bone structure.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that can cause pain, discomfort, and even tooth loss. It is important to be aware of the signs of gum disease in order to prevent it from progressing. The signs and symptoms of gum disease may vary from patient to patient. Understanding the signs of gum disease can help patients recognize dysfunction in their oral health.
- Red, swollen gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Persistent bleeding gums
- Receding gum line
- Pockets between the gums and teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Shifting teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have gum disease, it is important to visit your dentist for an exam as soon as possible. With proper treatment and good oral hygiene habits, you can keep your gums healthy and free from gum disease.
Gum Disease FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we get about gum disease and periodontitis to help you make an informed decision.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gingivitis (gum inflammation) usually precedes periodontitis (gum disease). However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build-up, causing the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.
What can cause gum disease?
Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease. These can include:
- Bad habits such as smoking make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
- Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing on a daily basis, make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
- The family history of dental disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.
What is the consequence if you leave gum disease untreated?
If gum disease is not treated it can result in overall health issues later in life. It is also very painful. Gum disease is known to cause extreme damage to patients’ gums. It also may contribute to a stroke or heart attack which are both life-threatening. This is why it is very important to treat gum disease.
How can you prevent gum disease from returning post-treatment?
Gum disease is known to be a recurring disease, even after treatment. It can be known to come back as early as 2 to 4 months post-treatment. The best way to prevent it from coming back is to be more consistent and intentional about your oral care. Scheduling regular dental visits, specifically around the time when your gum disease begins to present itself is a good way to try to keep it away.
Periodontal Therapy in Lexington, KY
The treatment you receive will depend on the stage of gum disease and the severity of damage to the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and bone structure. We will perform a full evaluation to determine the best solution to restore health and function to your smile. Dr. Chambers offers a full range of periodontal therapy services to address various stages of gum disease.
- Routine dental care: This plays an important role in maintaining gum health as well as an opportunity for Dr. Chambers and his staff to spot the signs of early gum disease and recommend treatment.
- Scaling and root planing: For patients with more advanced gum disease, Dr. Chambers may recommend this procedure for removing tartar and plaque from deep pockets of the gums.
- Gum surgery: if the gum tissue has become severely damaged or the integrity of the tooth is affected, Dr. Chambers may refer the patient to a periodontist for further treatment or gum surgery.
Request a Gum Disease Screening Today
Address possible gum disease or learn more about proper brushing techniques to maintain gum health between visits at Complete Dentistry For All Ages. If you have gums that bleed, schedule a dental visit with Dr. Chambers online or call 859-251-3809.