Gums Should Never Bleed!
If your gums bleed while you’re brushing or flossing, you may have periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. This dental health condition affects 80% of Americans, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Gum disease can be characterized by not only bleeding gums, but also redness and swelling, chronic bad breath, and loose teeth. If you have family history of periodontal disease, there is a higher risk and greater chance that you may have this disease.
Is Gum Disease A Big Deal?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that has infected the gum tissue and irritated it in a number of ways. If it remains untreated in any Plano resident, no matter how healthy they are, it can have long-term damage to oral health, including loss of teeth and bone loss. Additionally, gum disease has toxins that can travel through the blood stream to major organs and has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory disease.
Contact our Plano office today for a consultation appointment about the best ways to fit periodontics into your treatment plan.
Gum Disease F.A.Q.s
1. I brush and floss every day, so why do my gums still bleed?
Bleeding gums is a defining sign of gum and bone disease, called periodontal disease. Many factors contribute to this disease including tartar build up that forms below the gums. Having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly can help control and prevent many of these factors along with ensuring you are performing proper flossing and brushing techniques.
2. What causes periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal disease has many causes, as well as links to a variety of other systemic diseases. Many cases include tartar build up, but may also include factors such as immuno-compromised diseases, heart disease, diabetes, and just simple genetics.
3. How can periodontal disease be treated?
While there is no cure for periodontal disease, our hope is to help you make your oral environment as healthy as possible, through techniques such as cleaning on a regular basis. Bacteria that causes periodontal disease bury themselves into the gums, bone, and root surface deep below the surface of the gums, which can be combated with deep dental cleanings.
