If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, this is usually an indicator for the early stages of gum disease. Sometimes bleeding gums can be accompanied by swollen gums. The bleeding is usually caused by a buildup of plaque or calculus that has accumulated below the gumline. Gingivitis, or gum disease in its earliest stages, is reversible if you seek treatment right away.
Gingivitis will worsen if left untreated. Later stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, cannot be reversed and will eventually lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss among adults in this country. Although periodontitis cannot be cured, it can be managed through deep cleanings at your dentist office. This can also help prevent gum disease from progressing.
One of the biggest problems with gum disease is that it often develops with no symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure if your gums are healthy is with an oral examination. This is why it is imperative that you visit your dentist regularly for biannual examinations and cleanings.
Whether your gums are bleeding or you are simply overdue for a regular exam, give Town Square Family Dentistry a call to make an appointment!