Bleeding or painful gums are a very common dental complaint. Although common, if left untreated, this symptom can develop into a far more serious issue. Luckily, bleeding gums can be easily treated, especially if addressed early.
Why Do My Gums Bleed?
- Aggressive flossing or brushing
- Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
- Smoking or poor diet
- Poor dental hygiene
Poor dental hygiene can lead to gingivitis, the mildest and most treatable form of gum disease.
Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up on teeth. Plaque eventually becomes hard tartar, which collects bacteria. The bacteria irritate the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. This is gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to severe periodontitis. Periodontitis can in turn lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Treatment for Gum Disease
The early stages of gingivitis can be easily treated with a thorough dental cleaning and improved home oral hygiene. Your dentist may also recommend an antibacterial rinse to reduce inflammation and cure your gingivitis.
More advanced forms of gum disease may require a more intensive cleaning treatment such as scaling and root planing. These are techniques which remove plaque from below the gum line, thoroughly cleaning the deep pockets of the gum tissue. Another treatment favored by Dr. Andrew Cobb is laser dentistry.
This is a minimally invasive technique used to clean the roots of the teeth and stimulate the surrounding gum tissues. Laser dentistry precisely targets problem areas without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you suffer from bleeding gums? Don’t wait until the bleeding worsens. In its early stages, gum disease is easily treatable. If left untreated, simple bleeding gums could lead to tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with Chevy Chase Digital Dentistry today to address your bleeding or swollen gums. Call (202) 455-0901 or schedule an appointment online today.