Do you ever notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth?
Frequently bleeding gums are one of the most common signs that gum disease-causing bacteria has begun to spread. A progressive and highly common oral disease, gum disease is also linked to a range of systemic health issues.
Dr. Nadder Hassan of Manassas Smiles promotes oral wellness and disease prevention through comprehensive dentistry and patient education. Dr. Hassan helps patients maintain their natural smiles and offers conservative treatment options for developing dental concerns.
Do I have gum disease?
The only way to be sure if you have gum disease is by visiting Dr. Hassan for an oral health exam. Dr. Hassan will screen your gums and teeth for signs of gum disease. If you notice any of the following symptoms inbetween your routine dentist visits, contact our office right away.
If you have gum disease you may experience:
- Tender, swollen or red gums
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Receding gum line
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Sudden shifting of tooth alignment
- Tooth sensitivity
Prevention of gum disease is important. Controlling the spread of disease-causing bacteria is essential for preventing the development of secondary health concerns and to prevent the deterioration of your oral health.Â
Is gum disease really that serious?
As gum disease progresses it can impact all aspects of your oral and systemic health. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth and bone loss. Over time, patients with periodontal disease begin to lose the bone tissue that supports the structure of their jawline. The face begins to sag and recedes.
Once in the advanced stages, gum disease increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Patients with gum disease are also more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammation.
Can gum disease be treated?
Gum disease is best treated when caught early. By the time you notice that your gums are bleeding, bacteria has begun to spread and damage may have already been caused to your gums, jaw bone, and teeth.
The most effective way of treating gum disease is through preventative dentistry. Visiting the dentist twice a year for an oral health exam and professional teeth cleaning can help prevent or control gum disease-causing bacteria.
Once gum disease begins to advance and spread, scaling and root planing, or gum surgery may be required to fully restore the smile. Many patients with the advanced periodontal disease also require dental implants, bone grafting, and gum contouring treatments.
