Lately you've noticed blood in the sink when you brush your teeth. Your teeth don't hurt, so you wonder if you should be concerned? Should you contact your dentist in Wilmington, DE? The answer is - Yes! Gums that bleed when you brush can be an early indicator of gum disease, and you should schedule a cleaning and check-up appointment with your dentist right away.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, and it is essentially an infection of the bone and soft tissue that support your teeth. This infection occurs when excessive plaque build-up causes your gums to separate from your teeth, which allows harmful bacteria below the gum line. It's this bacteria that causes the infection.
Gingivitis
When you notice that your gums are red and swollen, or they bleed when you brush your teeth, you may be suffering from gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. The good news is that gingivitis can often be managed with a thorough professional cleaning and improvements to your home care routine. Some patients are even able to reverse their gingivitis.
Periodontitis
If gum disease is left untreated, it advances into periodontitis. This is the stage where damage starts to occur. The infection will eventually destroy your soft tissue and bone, eliminating the support system for your teeth, and leading to tooth loss. Did you know that gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in American adults?
Periodontitis requires a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar build-up from below the gum line. Antibiotic or laser therapy is sometimes recommended for treatment, and periodontitis may require gum surgery in some cases.
Gum Disease Treatment in Wilmington
If you find yourself facing gum disease, Dr. Mark Gladnick and his highly skilled hygiene team are well equipped to help you manage your condition. Depending on your condition, we may recommend additional cleanings throughout the year to effectively control your gum disease. We're also proud to offer laser therapy, which accelerates healing and makes periodontal therapy more comfortable for our patients.
Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you!
