Is Bleeding Gums Serious?
In the dental sense, bleeding gums may be an indication of gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, which may lead to bone and tooth loss if left untreated. In many cases, gum disease is often categorized into two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in plaque and the inflammation that is produced by that bacteria.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. During this stage, patients may notice symptoms such as bleeding and swollen gums.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that may result in shifting teeth, halitosis, and bone loss. As the bacterial infection progresses, it can damage the gum tissue and the supporting bone structure that surrounds the teeth.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
- Red, irritated gums
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bone and tooth loss
What are the risk factors of gum disease?
There are many risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, as well as the speed of its development and overall severity. Some of the most common risk factors include the following:
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Age
- Stress
- Medication
- Pregnancy
- Poor oral hygiene
While not all risk factors are created equal, most work by lowering the body’s ability to fight off infection or how it responds to bacteria.
As dental professionals, our team aims to identify risk factors of gum disease and offer the appropriate recommendations. For instance, if you are a smoker, finding ways to quit is imperative to improving your dental and overall health. Studies show that smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
How Are Bleeding Gums treated?
the best way to find treatment for bleeding gums is to visit our McLeansville, NC dentist office. Dr. Woodruff will discuss your symptoms and perform a full dental evaluation to determine the underlying cause of bleeding gums. If bleeding gums are, in fact, an indication of gum disease, we will determine the stage and severity and begin to build a comprehensive treatment plan based on your needs.
The treatments for gum disease vary, depending on the sage, severity, and extent of the damage. Our team works with each patient on an individual basis to deliver personalized solutions for their dental care needs. After a dental evaluation, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments for gum disease:
- Scaling and root planing
- Antibiotics
- Laser gum treatment
Our goal is to give patients the care they need and equipping them with the tools and knowledge needs o to reduce reinfection. A large part of achieving optimal dental health is patient education. We work with our patients to not only deliver exceptional treatment but to also educate them on the proper ways to care for heir smile and recognize any adverse changes in their dental health.
Schedule A Gum Disease Screening in McLeansville, NC
If you haven’t visited the dentist for a routine dental exam or screening, visit our team a McLeansville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We proudly serve patients in Greensboro, Sedalia, and many surrounding communities.
If you are experiencing bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease, we invite you to visit our McLeansville dentist office for an evaluation. To schedule you gum disease screening, call [new_patientt_phone_span] or request an appointment online.