Do your gums bleed when performing routine daily oral hygiene?
Red, bleeding or swollen gums are often the first signs of periodontal disease. This is an indication that bacteria have begun to infect the gums, often building up along the gum line. Baltimore dentist Dr. Emily Lin, Dr. Maggie O'Connell, and Dr. Nicole Esquilin at Canton Dental Associates will perform a thorough periodontal screening during preventive care visits and also offer comprehensive periodontal therapy to address the stages of gum disease. Dr. Millard Mazer is our periodontist (gum specialist) at Canton Dental Associates who will treat severe cases. Treating gum disease early is the key to avoiding the development of complex dental problems as it progresses.
Recognizing the common signs and understanding risk factors for gum disease can help patients identify their symptoms earlier and seek appropriate treatment. During routine visits at Canton Dental Associates, our dentists and staff will discuss your lifestyle habits and educate you on how to prevent gum disease and keep your smile healthy between visits.
Treating Gum Disease
your Dentist at Canton Dental Associates will evaluate your oral health to determine the stage and severity of periodontal disease.
Signs Of Gum Disease
Gum Disease: What to Look For
There are several common symptoms of periodontal disease in addition to bleeding gums:
- Red, swollen and/or tender gums
- Shifting of teeth or loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Changes in the fit of the bite or dentures
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned you may have gum disease, schedule an appointment at Canton Dental Associates. Prompt and effective treatment will help to prevent further deterioration of the gums, which can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss.
Risk Factors
Understanding Your Risk
There are a range of risk factors that can set the stage for the development of periodontal disease. Understanding your personal risk is important and can provide a foundation for effective oral hygiene.
- Age: as we age, the gum tissue is more prone to infection and takes longer to heal. It is estimated that 70% or more of the adult population has some form of gum disease.
- Smoking: tobacco use affects the health of the gums and can also lead to a condition known as dry mouth, which can increase the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Medications: certain medications can affect gum health, especially if a decrease in saliva production is a side effect.
- Stress: daily stress can affect all aspects of your health, including oral health.
- Diet and weight: having a diet lacking in many essential vitamins and minerals or being overweight or obese can lead to poor oral health.
- Genetics: certain people are more prone to developing gum disease due to a genetic predisposition.
Discuss your personal concerns, medical history and lifestyle habits with your dentist so that we can provide personalized dental care and oral hygiene advice.
Treatment Options
Periodontal Therapy for Bleeding Gums
Your dentist at Canton Dental Associates will assess the state of your oral health and any possible damage to the teeth and gums as a result of gum disease. A personalized treatment plan will be designed to restore and maintain your dental health.
Treatment for bleeding gums and other symptoms of periodontal disease can include:
- Antibacterial rinses: at home oral hygiene between visits that includes a prescribed antibacterial rinse can be effective in both mild and chronic gum disease.
- Scaling and root planing: to remove plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of the gums or along the tooth roots, this procedure is a common treatment for both stages of gum disease.
- Gum surgery: in the case of complex or very advanced gum disease, our periodontist Dr. Millard Mazer may recommend pocket reduction surgery, regeneration, crown lengthening, or gingival grafting.