Bleeding gums are usually caused by one of the following reasons: brushing too vigorously or gum disease. If the latter is the source of the problem, then gum disease therapy in North Austin provides a route to have your oral health restored. As part of recognizing February as National Gum Disease Awareness Month, an expert explains what the disease entails, what symptoms to look for and how you can have your gum health restored!
WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?
Gum disease is the inflammation of the soft tissue that is brought on by untreated plaque accumulation. Unaddressed, the buildup eventually works its way beneath the gum line to cause germ pockets to develop.
The disease can then progress through three phases.
PHASE 1 – GINGIVITIS
The initial stage of gum disease, gingivitis is the optimal phase to receive treatment. That’s because the damage done at this point is typically reversible, and it may only require some changes in your oral hygiene habits.
At this stage of the disease’s development, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Puffiness
- Red spots
- Unpleasant breath
PHASE 2 – PERIODONTITIS
If allowed to fester, the bacteria will continue moving, which can lead to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease where there can be permanent damage sustained to the ligaments and fibers that help to keep your teeth stable.
PHASE 3 – ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS
The stage of gum disease that should be avoided at all cost is advanced periodontitis. At this point, the roots may be fully dissolved, which increases the probability of tooth loss.
HOW GUM DISEASE IS TREATED
One of the more typical ways to treat gum disease is with a scaling and root planing procedure. The two-step process involves the dentist probing beneath the gums to remove bacteria. Then, the roots are smoothed to decrease the chances of bacteria accumulating in the future.
PREVENTION – THE BEST FORM OF CARE
While there are ways to restore gum health, the primary emphasis of National Gum Disease Awareness Month is to encourage preventive care. Thus, you should make it a priority to visit your dentist every six months for examinations and cleanings.
The combination of the two will help you side-step the need for complex dental care that could leave you with higher out-of-pocket contributions.
So to get on the road to the best gum health possible, contact your dentist in North Austin to schedule a visit today.
About the Author
Dr. Candace Bruno is a graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry. She has since gone on to provide top-notch dental care. To ensure she stays abreast of the latest changes in technology and procedures, Dr. Bruno has taken hundreds of hours of Continuing Education, which includes courses with Spear Education. She combines her years of experience and advanced postgraduate training to help patients enjoy the best gum health possible at her private practice, and she can be reached for more information through her website.