Have you noticed that your gums tend to bleed when you floss? Maybe the floss is a little red or you see blood in the sink when you rinse. This is a common occurrence, but it is something you shouldn’t ignore.
Bleeding gums is a sign of periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease. It can occur in the early stages or when it is more advanced. If you notice bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth, you should see your dentist for professional diagnosis and periodontal treatment. The sooner gum disease is treated, the better the outcome for your long term oral health.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. When plaque builds up on your teeth and hardens into calculus, the bacteria contained within it can invade the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. Periodontal disease threatens the health and integrity of the support structures for your teeth, increasing the risk of permanent damage and loss of teeth.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, and tender gum tissue
- Bad breath
- Abscesses (pockets of infection)
- Loose teeth
- Gaps forming between teeth
- Lost teeth
Stages of Periodontal Disease
- Gingivitis. This is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by tender and bleeding gums. At this early stage, gum disease can still be cured with prompt treatment and improvements in your oral hygiene habits.
- Early periodontitis. As gum disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe. Pockets develop between the teeth and gums due to the spread of infection below the gumline resulting in bone loss.
- Moderate periodontitis. At the next stage of gum disease further bone loss occurs, resulting in loose teeth and receding gums. The teeth lack support and may begin to shift out of place.
- Advanced periodontitis. Without treatment at any of the previous stages, you may reach advanced periodontitis. This stage involves severe bone loss in the jaw and possible loss of teeth.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is treated according to the stage of infection.
For gingivitis and early stage periodontitis, treatment may include:
- Scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and calculus from the teeth and roots below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surface to encourage reattachment of the gum tissue.
- Periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance involves periodic deep cleanings of the teeth to keep gum disease from recurring or to manage the infection. A typical schedule may include cleanings every 3-4 months.
To repair the damage caused by more advanced stages of gum disease, treatment may include:
- Periodontal surgery. Also called pocket reduction surgery, this procedure reshapes the bone to eliminate pockets between the gums and teeth.
- Gum grafting. To replace lost gum tissue, gum grafting is the process of applying soft tissue to the exposed roots.
- Bone grafting. Bone grafting or regeneration is a procedure that replaces lost bone tissue in the jaw and encourages new growth.
- Dental implants. If teeth were lost due to advanced gum disease, dental implants provide a replacement.
Contact Your Dentist at the First Sign of Gum Disease
Gum disease that goes untreated will continue to worsen, resulting in permanent damage. If you notice any of the symptoms of gum disease, contact your dentist and schedule an appointment. When treated promptly, gum disease is curable rather than just manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Health
Why do I have gum disease if I brush and floss?
Even if you brush and floss daily, you can still develop gum disease. There are many factors that can increase your risk, including eating habits and health conditions like diabetes. Your dentist can provide tips and treatment to help you prevent gum disease.
Are my gums bleeding because I’m flossing or brushing too hard?
You can irritate your gum tissue by flossing or brushing with too much pressure. One way to ensure even pressure when brushing is to purchase an electric toothbrush. When flossing, be sure to gently slide the floss between the teeth. Choose the right type and width of floss according to the size of the spaces between your teeth.
Metrowest Prosthodontics provides a wide range of periodontal services in Framingham, MA. We specialize in prosthodontics, offering natural looking and functioning replacements for missing teeth. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.