Regular brushing and flossing are an integral part of any good oral hygiene routine. These activities should leave your teeth and gums feeling fresh and clean. However, if you notice that you are bleeding regularly after brushing and flossing, don’t ignore it! Bleeding gums can be a sign that gums are irritated and you are at risk for gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Not only is gum disease the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, it is also incredibly common. Gum disease has two phases, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease where gums appear red and swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a serious condition that occurs when bacterial plaque grows and spreads below your gum line. This irritates gums, causes them to recede from teeth, and can result in tooth and bone loss without proper treatment.
While gum disease is certainly scary, there is some good news: if spotted early, gingivitis can be treated. If you take good care of your teeth and gums, it can be completely avoided! To care for your gums, you should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time, floss every day, and visit our office regularly for cleanings and exams.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
At Dental Solutions of Columbus, the way we treat gum disease depends on the severity of the condition. For milder varieties, a professional cleaning and a better at-home oral hygiene routine may do the trick. For more severe cases, we may opt for surgery. However, we are able to treat a growing number of gum disease patients non-surgically using LANAP ™ (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure). This treatment uses a laser to clean the area between your teeth and gums, instead of a scraping tool. Not only is this procedure less invasive than surgery, patients usually don’t even need anesthesia!
To ask our team any questions about caring for bleeding gums or to schedule your next appointment, contact our office today!
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