Symptoms of and Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

Bleeding gums are a common indication of gum disease and should not be ignored. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an inflammatory disease that impacts the hard and soft structures that support the teeth. Nearly half (46 percent) of all adults ages 30 and older show signs of this issue, with 9 percent of individuals experiencing severe stages of the oral health condition.

In today’s blog post, let’s consider other signs of gum disease as well as the treatment options offered at Maitland Ave Smile Co.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

When a patient develops periodontal disease, bacteria forms above and below the gum line and causes gums to recede and pull away from the teeth. If deep pockets form around the teeth, it can cause swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding and even lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading case of tooth loss, which may affect an individual’s ability to chew food. Plus, it leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and other health complications.

It’s important to know the signs of gum disease. Look out for the following symptoms:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Toothaches
• Mouth sores
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth

Additionally, diabetes, tobacco use, a weakened immune system, and poor oral care increase a patient’s risk for periodontal disease. 

To prevent this serious condition, patients should practice proactive and preventative dentistry, including a healthy at-home oral hygiene routine and biannual visits to their dentist. Patients who are prone to gum disease often benefit from more frequent professional cleanings and oral health exams. 

Treatment Options at Maitland Ave Smile Co.

There are a number of dental solutions available to treat periodontal disease. It’s best to treat it in the earliest stages of gingivitis. At this point, a thorough and deep cleaning often does the trick. Your dentist may also recommend a prescription antibacterial rinse.

For patients with more advanced gum disease, in order to prevent further damage, scaling and root planing clean the deep pockets of the gum and roots. Gum surgery removes the damaged tissue in order to promote better healing. In very advanced cases, it is not uncommon for patients to lose one or more teeth. Dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures are all tooth replacement options.

At Maitland Ave Smile Co., we offer a variety of periodontal therapy solutions for patients dealing with every stage of this disease. We will consider your budget, goals, and oral health before choosing a treatment plan.

 

Reach out to Maitland Ave Smile Co. today to schedule your dental check-up!

Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, wisdom teeth, and teeth whitening.