Many dental patients have let their dental health fall to the wayside during the chaos of the ongoing global pandemic. However, neglecting oral hygiene can be more detrimental to your well-being than you may imagine.
According to a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, individuals suffering from gum problems could be more likely to suffer from severe complications of COVID-19. This is due to the link between inflamed gums and the body’s systemic inflammatory response.
More than half of Americans over the age of 30 deal with gum problems. During these trying times, oral health is more important to consider than ever. Dr. Victor Gittleman, a dentist in Morristown, NJ, illustrates the importance of treating gum problems, including bleeding gums, promptly during the pandemic.
Early Signs of Gum Problems
Gum disease is a common condition, but many people are unaware that they have it. This is why regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist are important. Your dentist can clean plaque and tartar from your teeth, lowering the chance of bacteria spreading infection to your gums.
Other patients notice symptoms when there are problems with their gums. These include bleeding, soreness, and swelling. While bleeding can occur due to acute incidents, such as brushing your teeth too hard or using a firm-bristled toothbrush, these symptoms should be taken seriously if they continue.
Periodontal Treatments
If your gums are inflamed or in pain, your dentist will likely recommend thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums to remove excess bacteria, plaque, and tartar, especially in hard-to-reach spots in your mouth, like near the gumline. Extensive cleaning is referred to as scaling and root planing.
Advanced gum disease may require more invasive intervention. This may be done through laser periodontal treatment or oral surgery. A surgeon can stitch gums tighter to the teeth to make it easier to keep your mouth clean and more difficult for bacteria to infect your gums.
Proper oral hygiene practices can lower your risk of gum problems. Your dentist may also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to balance the bacteria in your mouth and reduce the chance of gum infection. For more information on how we diagnose and treat gum disease, please visit Periodontal therapy.
Treat Bleeding Gums and More in Morristown, NJ
Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry offers periodontal therapy for bleeding gums, as well as other restorative dental treatments, to patients in Morristown, NJ. Dr. Gittleman also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 973.287.3337.