Gums Should Never Bleed!
If your gums bleed while you’re brushing or flossing, you probably have periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. You shouldn’t be surprised to have this condition affecting your life, considering it afflicts 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 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 Wisconsin resident, no matter what their health, it can have long-term damage to oral health, including loss of teeth and bone loss. Additionally, the toxins can travel through the blood stream to major organs and cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory disease.
Fixing Your Smile With Periodontics
If you are lucky enough to not have gum disease, but are still unhappy with your smile, our office may be able to offer you solutions through the use of periodontic treatments. Your teeth may be white and straight, but some may look a little short, and some look too long. Through periodontal cosmetic surgery, we can make “short” teeth appear longer; the procedure – crown lengthening – removes excess gum tissue to show more of your natural tooth.
Contact Quirt Family Dentistry 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 everyday, 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 control many of these factors.
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 we try to combat with deep cleanings and scalings.
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