White Oak, OH residents discover treatment to stop bleeding gums

With two offices, Drs. Jesal Patel and Shawn Dornhecker offer wide-ranging dental services to patients near White Oak, OH and the surrounding areas. Red, bleeding gums are an early sign of gum or periodontal disease. Nearly 80% of adults over 30 have gum disease. The number increases with age. Approximately 70 percent of patients over 65 have some form of periodontal disease. Our team provides treatment for patients who have bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease.

The gums are the pink supportive tissues at the base of the teeth. The health of the gums plays an important role in oral and overall health. Healthy gums are pinkish. In the beginning stages of gum disease, the gums may become red and swollen or may even bleed. Left untreated, the disease becomes more destructive and may lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is often caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. When the plaque is not removed with regular oral care, bacteria spreads into the gums. This starts as gingivitis with red, bleeding, inflamed gums. Untreated gingivitis advances into periodontitis. At this point, the gums recede from the teeth. This causes gaps around the teeth where bacteria can accumulate and cause infections. Advanced periodontitis can result in tooth loss. Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to additional dental and general health problems.

Prevent gum disease

Although periodontal disease has severe consequences, it can be avoided. Prevention is often the ideal way to stop or treat the disease. Good oral health routines and regular dental exams help maintain the health of the teeth and gums. Plaque and bacteria are removed before they can build up and spread. Your dental team can give you tips on proper home care to improve your overall wellness. Good oral habits to promote the health of your gums may include:

• Brush your teeth at least twice per day, preferably morning and night. If possible, brush after meals.
• Floss daily to remove food particles from between the teeth.
• Use mouthwash or an oral irrigator. This helps remove particles along the gumline or in hard-to-reach areas that brushing and flossing may miss.
• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head at least every three months. Broken bristles do not effectively clean the teeth and remove plaque.
• Visit your dentist at least every four to six months, or as recommended for routine cleanings.

Regular dental examinations are a crucial part of maintaining your oral health and preventing gum disease. Unless otherwise directed, these visits are scheduled every six months to ensure optimal health. With this timing, if problems do arise, they are generally small and can be addressed efficiently and effectively. Signs of periodontal disease can be treated before the condition escalates.

Stop bleeding gums

Even with the best intentions and oral care, gum disease may occur. Certain drugs, conditions, foods, or lifestyle habits can make patients more susceptible to periodontal problems. If you notice symptoms of gum disease such as bleeding gums, contact your dental professional right away for an appointment. In the earliest stages, gum disease is reversible. In later stages, your gums may not return to normal, but treatments are available to at least keep the disease from progressing. The earlier the disease is caught and addressed, the better the outcome.

The treatment or therapy recommended depends upon the patient’s symptoms and stage of gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, is reversible. The bone and connective tissues are intact. This stage can often be treated with a deep dental cleaning and maintaining good oral habits at home. The deep cleaning or scaling removes built-up plaque, tartar, and bacteria and prevents the bacteria from spreading further. A hygienist uses special instruments to clean the teeth removing tartar above and below the gumline then smooths the roots. Pockets are sanitized to promote healing.

Your dental team helps stop gum disease in its tracks, keeping it from causing additional damage. More frequent dental appointments may be recommended to keep the disease under control. Visiting your dentist and maintaining good oral practices are important to keep the damage from spreading.

Gum disease can be avoided or stopped. If you need treatment for bleeding gums, contact Patel and Dornhecker Dentistry. Call our offices in Bridgetown at (513) 815-3188 or in Fairfield at (513) 815-3166 for an appointment.