When plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, it can lead to inflammation in the gum tissue. Inflammation in the gums can lead to infection, which can destroy the gum tissue and supporting bone structure.
Recent studies have suggested that gum disease can lead to other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and arthritis. Maintaining excellent gum health is key to supporting healthy teeth and achieving optimal wellness. Bleeding gums are one of the dental concerns that Dr. Gittleman treats from his Morristown, NJ, dental office.
Are Bleeding Gums Normal?
Bleeding gums are not normal. If you notice bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, you may want to schedule a visit to our Morristown dentist office.
Most commonly, bleeding gums is an early indication of gum disease. Early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) may cause symptoms such as bleeding gums, swollen gums, and red gums. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to treating bleeding gums and reduce the risk of advanced-stage gum disease.
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Victor Gittleman offers new and existing patients advanced treatment options for gum disease. During a comprehensive dental exam, Dr. Gittleman can assess your teeth and gums and recommend the most appropriate solution for your dental needs.
The Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is often referred to as the silent disease because it doesn’t always produce symptoms. That is why it is important for patients to visit the dentist at least twice a year for routine gum disease screenings. Our team can examine the teeth and gums to determine if gum disease is present.
Understanding the signs of gum disease can help you get one step closer to the care you need.
Common signs of gum disease:
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing and flossing
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Loose, shifting teeth
- A change in the fit of your dentures
- Bad breath
- Dull pain when chewing
- Increased tooth sensitivity
If plaque isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it can develop into tartar. tartar can only be removed by an experienced dental professional during a dental cleaning.
How To Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease can be prevented through excellent oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing. Also, incorporating antibacterial rinses can help reduce plaque build-up on the teeth. Proper removal of plaque is key to achieving optimal gum health.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque
- Floss at least once a day to remove plaque buildup from between the teeth
- Incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash to remove what brushing and flossing could not reach
- Visit our Morristown, NJ, dentist office every six months for a routine dental check-up and professional dental cleaning
- Stop smoking and tobacco use. Smoking can hinder the body’s ability to fight off infection
Treatment For Gum Disease in Morristown, NJ
Upon your arrival, Dr. Gittleman will examine your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease, discuss your symptoms, and perform any needed testing.
If you are an avid smoker or have diabetes, these issues will need to be addressed prior to treatment and to help prevent reinfection. Our team can work with you to explore your options.
For patients who are unable to prevent gum disease, Dr. Gittleman may recommend one or more of the following to treat bleeding gums and address the various stages of gum disease.
Treatment options may include:
- Scaling and root planing
- Laser gum disease treatment
- Antibacterial rinses
- Gum surgery
Bleeding Gums FAQs
My gums are bleeding, but I don’t feel pain. Do I have gum disease?
Having bleeding gums alone is not a clear indicator that you have gum disease. Your gums can bleed because of brushing too hard, eating a junk food diet, medications, and other factors. If your gums bleed periodically or every day, it’s best to visit the dentist as soon as possible to alleviate the anxiety of not knowing if you have gum disease or not.
Is gum disease contagious?
Not necessarily. Gum disease is not like a virus that can spread through the air or skin-to-skin contact. Gum disease is very localized to your mouth, so it can spread by kissing someone with a compromised immune system, bad oral hygiene, and mouth damage. It is rare to pass gum disease to a partner if they have excellent oral health.
Will my bleeding gums stop bleeding on their own?
Bleeding gums due to gum disease does not automatically cure itself. Gum disease is a progressive disease that does not go away on its own without medical intervention. If you leave gum disease untreated, your bleeding gums will only get worse and lead to more severe issues down the road.
Treating Bleeding Gums Near You
If you have bleeding gums or suspect you may have gum disease, schedule a consultation with our Morristown dentist near you. Early intervention may help reduce your need for advanced treatment. To schedule your appointment, call (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment online.