Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? You could be at risk of developing periodontitis, or gum disease.
Patients who have swollen, red, or bleeding gums, may have gingivitis, a condition that often precedes periodontitis. Although gingivitis is easily reversible, both gingivitis and periodontitis can cause dental problems that damage teeth and may even lead to tooth loss.
Dr. Emily Ann Reece treats patients with gum disease at Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Reece aims to help patients of all ages receive comprehensive dental solutions that target their tooth and gum problems.
If you notice any symptoms of gum disease, please call our Raleigh, North Carolina dental office at [new_patient_phone]. You may also schedule an appointment with Dr. Reece on our website.
Causes and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can have multiple causes, including:
- Stress
- Genetics
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Poor nutrition
- Teeth grinding
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
Look out for these signs of gingivitis and periodontitis:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Swollen or sore gums
- Mouth sores
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Shifting teeth
- Tooth loss
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible for treatment. As dentists, it is our goal to help you prevent further dental problems with early preventative care.
Treating Gum Disease
For patients with mild gingivitis or gum inflammation, we may recommend antibacterial rinses. However, patients with full-fledged gum disease may require scaling or root planning procedures. Scaling treatment removes bacteria and tartar from the mouth. Root planing smooths down the tooth roots and helps to remove bacteria that cause gum inflammation. If you require extensive oral surgery due to periodontitis, we will refer you to a specialist.
Following these procedures, continue to maintain your dental hygiene and schedule biannual dental visits to help avoid further infection and damage.