If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, you may have gingivitis. Also known as gum inflammation, gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Inflammation is reversible with the right care. At Perfect Smiles, we can treat patients with bleeding gums in our Doylestown, PA office. We help reverse symptoms of gum disease to prevent gum recession and permanent tooth loss. Please let us know if you have encountered any changes in the health of your gums. We want to treat patients in the earliest stages of gum disease to prevent damage to the teeth and gums.
Signs of Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Early signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Inflamed and irritated gums
- Red or purple-hued gums
- Bad breath
- Gum sensitivity
Over time, as bacteria continue to build upon the gums, they can reach the tooth roots. In its later stages, gum disease creates deep gum pockets and leads to lost permanent teeth.
Gum disease may also increase patients’ risks of developing heart problems. This is due to inflammation. Inflammation caused by bacteria can enter the blood vessels, affecting the heart. Not every patient with gum disease will develop heart problems, and many patients who already have heart problems may not develop gum disease. However, it is a risk that we take into account when treating our patients.
Reverse Gum Disease
Scaling and root planing are treatments that provide a deep clean to patients who are exhibiting signs of gum disease. We use special metal tools to perform these treatments and thoroughly clean the gums. During scaling treatment, we remove plaque and tartar from the gums. Root planing removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. Together, scaling and root planing treatments help keep the gums and tooth roots healthy and intact.
If you have deep gum pockets, we can provide antibiotic therapy in tandem with scaling and root planing. Antibiotics fight off bacteria and help heal the gum tissue.
Call Perfect Smiles Today
Have you noticed red, swollen, or bleeding gums? Do you want to prevent gum disease before it impacts your dental health? Request a dental consultation with our dental team on our websites. Contact our dental office at 215-529-8048.