Do you experience bleeding gums when you brush your teeth? You could be at risk of developing gum disease. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease and can worsen over time. While you do not automatically have gum disease if you have bleeding gums, there is a high chance that you could develop gum disease. You may require periodontal disease treatment in our Bethesda, MD office if you do not receive professional care or improve your oral hygiene routine.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Bethesda, MD
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is the earliest sign of gum disease. Once gingivitis progresses, it becomes periodontitis or gum disease. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis and can carry into gum disease.
However, if you have gingivitis, you may only experience irritated, inflamed, red, or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is reversible if you care for your smile properly. Flossing before brushing and visiting the dentist once or twice a year can keep gum disease at bay.
Once gingivitis becomes periodontitis, you will need more thorough treatment in our office. Signs of gum disease like gum irritation and pain, gum recession, and sensitive gum tissue will worsen over time.
We will recommend scaling and root planing, deep cleaning treatments that we use together to remove bacterial buildup from the gums and tooth roots. Scaling removes bacteria from the gum and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, removing bacterial buildup to help the roots stay attached to the gums.
Preventing Gum Disease
If you have signs of gum inflammation or want to boost your oral health, follow these tips:
Brush AND Floss
Many patients forget to floss when they care for their smiles. However, flossing is important for a good oral hygiene routine. Flossing between each tooth removes bacterial buildup contributing to gum disease and tooth decay. We recommend flossing before brushing your teeth so fluoride from your toothpaste can reach the gums between the teeth.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke cigarettes, vape, or use other tobacco products, you are at an increased risk of gum disease. Tobacco products slow your immune system, meaning that if you develop gum disease, it will be harder for your body to fight harmful bacteria. If you stop smoking, you can properly treat your gum disease.
Visit the Dentist
Routine dental visits include dental cleanings and exams. During dental cleanings, we remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Plaque is a bacterial film that can harden to form tartar. It is impossible to remove tartar at home, which is why dental visits are important.
We may also recommend scaling and root planing for chronic gum problems. Our office can diagnose and treat gum disease and reverse gingivitis.
Call Bethesda Family Smiles for treatment today at 301.500.2205 or schedule an appointment with us online.