MY GUMS BLEED WHEN I BRUSH. IS THIS NORMAL?
No, this is not normal! This is one of the most common dental problems and also the most misunderstood. One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In adults 65 and older, prevalence rates increase to 70.1 percent.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection of your gums. The gum tissue becomes red, puffy, and bleeds easily because of the localized bacterial infection. As the disease progresses, the gum tissue and bone holding the tooth are destroyed.
Gum disease facts:
- Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque.
- Everyone has bacteria in their mouth.
- Bleeding gums are NOT normal.
- Gum disease is treatable.
- Gum disease should be treated as soon as possible. The longer you have it, the more damage it causes.
Gum disease myths:
- You can just take antibiotics for your bleeding gums.
- Your gums are supposed to bleed when you brush or floss.
- Bleeding gums mean you are going to lose your teeth.
- Your gums bleed because you are brushing too hard.
How to prevent bleeding gums
If you notice signs of gum disease, you might need to pay more attention to your dental care.
Here’s how to prevent gum disease, and keep your gums healthy:
- Brush your teeth after every meal for at least two minutes. Using a quality electric toothbrush is best.
- Use dental floss every day. Flossing is vital in cleaning in-between the teeth.
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes may also help.
Treatment options for bleeding gums:
Gingivitis, the first phase of periodontal disease, is usually treated with regular cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Our hygienists will teach you how to care for your teeth and gums. We recommend using a quality electric toothbrush to better remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gum tissue.
Periodontal Disease is treated with a procedure called “Scaling and Root Planing“. The hygienists removes plaque, tarter and bacteria from the roots of the teeth. This allows your body to heal the inflamed gums and return them to normal. Depending on how severe your gum disease is, you may also need laser treatment.
More people lose their teeth from gum disease than from trauma or decay. Excellent home dental care and routine visits to the dentist are vital to preventing periodontal disease.
Interested in a new smile? Want a better smile? Are you concerned that you don’t have great dental health? Visit our office at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504. Or call us at 713-941-8261.
Making yearly dental checkups is essential for identifying periodontal disease in its early stages. Make sure to let your dentist know if you observe any bleeding or inflammation of your gums. It’s crucial that they are aware of the symptoms you are already experiencing, even though they can see the tartar build-up during your yearly cleaning.
What is Periodontal Disease? Understanding the Seriousness of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It begins with gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease that can lead to permanent damage to the gums, bone, and even tooth loss.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The primary cause of periodontal disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. The bacteria in plaque and tartar release toxins that irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection. Over time, this infection spreads below the gumline, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets where more bacteria can accumulate.
Other factors that can increase the risk of periodontal disease include:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Genetics
- Diabetes and other systemic diseases
- Poor nutrition
- Hormonal changes (such as those during pregnancy)
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek dental care as soon as possible to prevent the disease from worsening.
Why is Periodontal Disease Serious?
If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss as the supporting bone and tissues break down. Beyond tooth loss, gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, impacting your overall health.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for periodontal disease varies depending on its severity. For early-stage gum disease (gingivitis), a professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene at home may be enough to reverse the condition. For more advanced cases, Scaling and Root Planing (a deep cleaning procedure) is used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots, helping the gums reattach to the teeth.
Preventing periodontal disease starts with good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups and cleanings are essential for keeping plaque and tartar at bay.
At Michael Nugent DDS, we’re dedicated to helping our patients in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas prevent and manage periodontal disease. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or are due for a checkup, contact our office today to protect your gums and maintain a healthy smile.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
It’s critical to contact your dentist right away if you feel any pain, irritation, or bleeding when brushing. When gum disease progresses and causes discomfort, decay, and tooth loss, you might not notice any changes in your teeth until later. The early stages of periodontal disease might be painless. Potential warning indicators of periodontal disease include the following:
- Gum bleeding
- Inflamed, red, or sensitive gums
- Shrinking gums
- Taste or breath problems
- Tissue surrounding teeth is destroyed
- Development of large spaces between teeth and gums
- Slipping or loose teeth
- Alterations to denture fit or bite
- Unpleasant chewing
Make an appointment with our Pasadena, Texas, dental office right away if you’re having any of these symptoms, since untreated decay can worsen gum disease and cause tooth loss.
Is Periodontal Disease a Risk for Me?
The most significant risk factor for periodontal disease is not cleaning your teeth enough or frequently enough; however, there are a few other variables that might also raise your risk:
- Consuming tobacco
- Uneven teeth or crowded teeth
- Underlying immune system illness
- Defective fillings
- Drugs that result in dry mouth
- Hormonal changes brought on by oral contraceptives or pregnancy
What distinguishes Periodontitis from Gingivitis?
While periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that can result in bone loss and tooth loss, gingivitis may refer to gum inflammation in the early stages of gum disease.
Early on in the disease, an overabundance of bacteria can cause plaque and tartar to build up, eroding tooth enamel and damaging the tissues that separate the teeth from the gums. This is known as gingivitis. At this point, you can have pain and sensitivity in the gum area, as well as an increased risk of bleeding. Some patients, on the other hand, do not exhibit any gingivitis symptoms at all until it is too late.
Scaling and Root Planing: The Key Treatment for Periodontal Disease
When it comes to treating periodontal disease (gum disease), Scaling and Root Planing is one of the most effective and widely used procedures. This non-surgical deep-cleaning treatment helps combat infection, restore gum health, and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. For patients with periodontal disease in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas, Dr. Michael Nugent offers Scaling and Root Planing as a targeted solution to halt the progression of gum disease and promote healing.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis—a mild inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease where plaque hardens into tartar below the gumline, leading to inflammation, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss. Scaling and Root Planing is a specialized treatment designed to address periodontitis and stop it from progressing further.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and Root Planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is a two-step process performed by Dr. Nugent or a dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smooth the roots of the teeth.
- Scaling: During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, especially below the gumline and in gum pockets that have formed due to periodontal disease. Removing this buildup is essential for reducing inflammation and eliminating harmful bacteria.
- Root Planing: In the root planing step, the rough surfaces of the tooth roots are smoothed to remove any remaining bacteria and discourage future plaque buildup. Smoothing the roots also helps the gums reattach to the teeth, reducing the size of gum pockets and promoting healing.
How Scaling and Root Planing Treats Periodontal Disease
Scaling and Root Planing is essential for treating periodontitis because it directly targets the bacteria and tartar causing the infection. By cleaning deeply under the gums and smoothing the tooth roots, this treatment:
- Reduces Inflammation: Removing plaque and tartar allows the gums to heal and reduces inflammation.
- Prevents Further Bone Loss: Scaling and Root Planing help prevent the infection from spreading deeper into the jawbone, protecting the bone and connective tissues.
- Promotes Gum Reattachment: Smoothing the roots allows the gums to reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depth and making it harder for bacteria to return.
Why Early Treatment is Essential
Periodontal disease can be progressive and may worsen over time if untreated. Early treatment with Scaling and Root Planing helps prevent the need for more invasive treatments and protects your long-term oral health.
At Michael Nugent DDS, we provide expert care for patients dealing with gum disease and emphasize the importance of routine checkups to catch issues early. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, contact our office in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas to learn more about Scaling and Root Planing and how it can benefit your smile.
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, call our Pasadena, Texas, dental office at 713-941-8261. We are located at 3421 Burke Rd., suite A, Pasadena, Texas