Have you ever brushed or flossed your teeth and spit in the sink only to see traces of blood on the porcelain? Blood, like pain, is a warning sign that something serious might be happening inside your body.
Sometimes you might have an object caught in your gums that causes localized bleeding and usually a little extra attention when brushing and flossing can take care of the problem. However, if it persists for more than a couple of days, you will benefit from a dental exam to rule out periodontal (gum) disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The number one cause of periodontal disease is neglect when it comes to care of your gums. Because you eat food and bacteria can grow in the moist environment of your mouth, feeding off of sugars from snacks and starches, your mouth is a perfect place for bacteria to grow.
Bacteria can create an acidic environment that eats away at the protective enamel of your teeth. It can also cause a serious infection, or gum disease.
Some common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Rancid breath
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Pocketing between your teeth and gums
- Pus
- A bad taste
Occasionally, you can even get gum disease from an underlying medical condition such as certain illnesses, hormonal changes, or dry mouth.
Pregnant women and people undergoing cancer treatment are especially vulnerable to gum disease. Treatment is essential as it can affect your overall health and cause complications with heart conditions, stroke, diabetes, and low birth weight babies.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Treatment for gum disease usually involves a specialized cleaning above and below your gum line to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar. We may recommend localized antibiotics to treat particularly difficult cases and if you avoid treatment for too long, surgery may be required to resolve your condition.
If you suspect you have gum disease, we are here to help. Call Scott Jordan DDS and our helpful dental team will help you take the first step toward healing and wellness.