If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you might attribute it to using too much pressure when cleaning your teeth. Unfortunately, it’s the first symptom of gum disease. Although it’s preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 50% of Americans have the infection. It’s also the leading cause of tooth loss. Don’t worry, if you act quickly, gum disease can be cured without leaving a lasting mark on your smile.
Is Gum Disease Curable?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar from poor oral hygiene habits. There are 3 stages of the infection, some of which are curable:
Gingivitis
At first, you may notice your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding. This is the first stage of the infection, known as gingivitis. At this point, gum disease treatment in Sunnyvale can prevent it from progressing. Besides improving your oral hygiene habits at home, you’ll also need to visit your dentist for laser gum therapy in Sunnyvale. The precision of the laser targets diseased tissue and sterilizes the area to allow your gums to heal.
Periodontitis
If you don’t treat gingivitis, it will progress to periodontitis. In addition to the previous symptoms, you might also see your gum tissue pulling away from your teeth. There may be pus-filled pockets near the roots, and you can develop tooth sensitivity. It’s not uncommon to have chronic bad breath or a poor taste in your mouth. Depending on the severity of the infection, serious damage might be occurring in your mouth that will require an aggressive treatment plan. Besides bleeding gum treatment in Sunnyvale, your dentist may have to repair any complications caused by the infection, like exposed tooth roots.
Advanced Periodontitis
Without the right treatment, the supporting tissues for your teeth will begin to break down. As you reach the advanced stage of periodontitis, your teeth may have loosened. In some cases, you might have even lost a tooth or two. Besides the effects it is having on your smile, the infection can also threaten your general health because it can enter your bloodstream. Your dentist will create a personalized plan to stop the infection while repairing your smile. They may use several treatments to restore your dental health, including gum grafting in Sunnyvale. If you’ve lost any teeth, the infection will need to be resolved before replacing them.
Protect Your Smile from Gum Disease
Don’t ignore bleeding gums. It’s best to contact your dentist right away at the first sign of an infection. You can help keep gum disease at bay by committing to your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
About Dr. Joe A. Provines
Dr. Provines has over 30 years of experience in dentistry, specializing in gum disease treatment. He has his Certification in Periodontics and uses the latest technology to create healthy smiles, including laser dentistry. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for periodontal therapy.