Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? You may be developing gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontitis, affects about 3 million Americans each year. Although gum disease is a common dental concern, it can lead to tooth loss and gum recession in its later stages.
Dr. Patrick L. Ousborne and Dr. Rikki Esterson treat bleeding gums, as well as more serious signs of gum disease, in their Towson, Maryland dental office. Learn how to look out for the signs of periodontitis and discover treatment options below.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Some common signs of periodontitis include:
- Gum swelling
- Halitosis (Bad breath)
- Gum recession
- Shifting teeth
- Loose teeth
When infection enters the bloodstream, it can even lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attacks, and diabetes. Please contact our dental office if you have noticed any of these symptoms. We will work with you to find an effective treatment option for you and your specific dental concerns.
Treating Gum Disease
For patients with bleeding gums, topical or oral antibiotics can help eliminate bacteria that are causing infection. Scaling and root planing can be used in tandem to remove bacteria and tartar from the mouth and reduce gum inflammation by smoothing tooth roots.
Gum flap surgery is often needed for patients with extensive damage. This treatment exposes roots for more effective scaling and planing by lifting back gum tissue. When patients have gum recession, bone grafting holds the affected tooth in place to promote regrowth.
Preventing Gum Disease
There are several simple preventative measures that you can take to ensure the long-term health of your teeth and gums. Visit our Towson dental office twice a year for regular tooth cleanings. Of course, brushing and flossing twice a day, and even after meals, is the best way to prevent problems like bleeding gums from developing into periodontitis.
Call Our Towson Office For Care
Treat signs of gum disease as soon as possible in our Towson, Maryland dental office. Call the Advanced Prosthodontics and Dentistry of Towson for comprehensive treatment today at (410) 828-1177. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson on our website.