You’ll naturally take immediate action when you notice bleeding anywhere else on your body. Bleeding is a clear sign that something is wrong. So why is it different when it comes to your gums? Many people dismiss bleeding gums during brushing as harmless because it’s painless, but this mindset can be dangerous. Periodontal gum disease is more complicated than it sounds. It causes tooth loss and is linked to several systemic conditions.
Do you suspect gum disease? Park Dental Care can help. Dr. Evelyn Maggos offers effective gum disease treatment in Carol Stream, Illinois, to ensure you maintain healthy, infection-free gums.
What is gingivitis?
Several factors can cause gum disease, but it all starts with plaque—a sticky, colorless bacterial film that constantly builds up on teeth. Plaque is removed by brushing and flossing but grows rapidly when you fail to maintain good oral hygiene. The bacteria within plaque multiply and release toxic substances that inflame your gums, causing gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease. It’s sometimes hard to recognize gum disease early because it doesn’t cause pain. However, if you notice the below symptoms, seek treatment right away.
- Tender or swollen gums
- Gum redness
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
The above symptoms are often the first warning signs of gum disease. Unfortunately, gingivitis can progress rapidly, leading to more severe health issues, including gum recession, tooth loss, and even systemic health complications like heart disease or diabetes. Ignoring the problem because there’s no immediate pain worsens the underlying issue over time. So, if you notice signs of gingivitis, take action now!
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Is gingivitis curable?
So, you have been diagnosed with gum disease. The first question you probably ask is whether the disease is curable. You are in luck! Gingivitis is the only reversible/curable form of periodontal disease. Even better news is that it doesn’t require invasive treatments. The first step to reverse gingivitis is to improve your oral hygiene habits. This means you brush and floss twice daily and use a medicated mouthwash. Additionally, visit your dentist for a dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
If the above treatments don’t work, the dentist will recommend deep teeth cleaning. This non-surgical treatment involves scaling and root planing to eliminate infections and promote healing. The dentist may complement a “deep clean” with antibiotic therapy to prevent re-infection.
Gingivitis treatment is vital because it prevents the progression of the disease to periodontitis—a more severe form of gum disease. Advanced periodontitis causes gum recession, tooth loss, and other periodontal defects. At this stage, gum disease isn’t curable but can be managed with advanced treatments like gum graft surgery and bone recontouring.
Do you need gum disease treatment?
Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed, just as healthy skin shouldn’t bleed without reason. If your gums bleed during brushing or flossing, it’s a sign that you need medical intervention. Seek professional dental care at Park Dental Care before the condition escalates. Call 630-556-8880 and reserve your treatment. Our office welcomes patients from Carol Stream, Winfield, and other locations.