31 Aug 2020
Gum Disease

If you see slight bleeding when you brush or floss, you may be suffering from gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most common diseases in adults, and it can be a sign of poor health. Our teeth and gums are a window into our overall health, and they can signal if you are experiencing an underlying oral health issue. Gum disease can be directly connected to other health conditions in the body, so take good care of your smile. Our WPB Saturday dentist has some recommendations for identifying and treating gum disease so that you can keep your smile healthy for life.

What is gum disease?


Gum disease occurs due to the presence of bacteria on your teeth and gums. Plaque, bacteria, and food debris all build up on the surface of your teeth and cause your gums to become inflamed. This can lead to irritation, pain, swelling, and some bleeding. If left untreated, this inflammation can advance into periodontitis.

Periodontitis can be very dangerous for your oral health because the gum tissue and teeth begin to separate at this stage. This leaves room for pockets in the gum line that can collect plaque and bacteria. Pockets in the gums can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss. The leading cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease, which is a treatable condition. Protect your healthy smile by treating and preventing gum disease.

How to treat gum disease


For mild gum disease, proper dental care will help to clear your symptoms. A professional dental cleaning can help to remove any plaque and tartar that may be on your teeth. Tartar can only be removed through the process of scaling, which is performed by our WPB Saturday dentist. We recommend that you get a professional cleaning at least twice per year, though we may suggest more cleanings depending on the severity of your gum disease. Cleanings can also help to prevent further gum disease from occurring.

For more serious cases of periodontitis, surgical treatment may be necessary. Pocket reduction surgery can help to repair the gums and protect your smile from tooth loss. Soft tissue grafts and bone grafts can also help to repair your gums and jaw after they have been severely damaged from gum disease. If you suffer from severe gum disease, our Saturday dentist WPB can recommend the proper treatment to help repair and protect your smile.

Protect your smile for life


Prevent gum disease by taking excellent care of your smile and maintaining your regular dental cleanings. By being proactive about your dental care, you can save yourself from a lot of discomfort and expensive dental bills. Brush twice per day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every night before bed. Flossing is so important to keep your smile healthy because plaque and tartar can easily get caught in between the teeth and along the gum line. You should also rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to ensure that your smile is completely clean and refreshed. By taking the time to properly clean your teeth, you are protecting your smile for years to come! Call our team to schedule your next dental cleaning and examination.