Ever experience pain or bleeding from your gums when you’re brushing your teeth? It’s not just because you may have cut yourself. Bleeding gums can be a telltale sign of gum disease. So what can you do to make sure your gums are healthy?
What Is Gum Disease?
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums are all signs of gingivitis—the early stage of gum disease. Gum disease usually occurs after plaque and bacteria get trapped in, and keep growing under, the gum line, especially if you don’t practice proper or consistent brushing and flossing. Gum disease develops over the course of three stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis, the latter of which can bring on widespread decay and even tooth loss.
What Are the Signs of Advancing Gum Disease?
As gum disease progresses, expect to have bad breath, receding gums, and some degree of tooth decay. It’s not always easy to realize that you have gum disease, which is why it is so important to see your dentist twice a year to catch it and treat it in its earliest stages possible.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
If you’re concerned about bleeding gums or experiencing any other symptoms of gum disease, see your dentist as soon as possible. They can do a thorough examination of your gums, and, depending on how advanced your gum disease may be, come up with a proper treatment plan for you. If you have gingivitis, you may just require a deep cleaning to flush out any trapped bacteria. But if you have more advanced gum disease, you may require a specific action plan to curb bacteria growth and restore your oral health.
Consult with Us at Las Cruces Dental Solutions!
Bleeding gums are almost always a sign of something more serious, but don’t be afraid to reach out to us at Las Cruces Dental Solutions. We offer laser-assisted infection control so that you won’t have to deal with dental tools during your treatment, as well as long-term gum care maintenance plans so that you can have the healthy gums you deserve. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
Are you concerned about your bleeding gums?