It’s shocking how many patients accept bleeding gums as normal. I’ve heard countless new patients say, “It’s the way they’ve always been.” Bleeding gums are a warning sign that something is wrong with your oral health and sometimes even your systemic health. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist discusses what your gums may be trying to tell you and how we treat gum disease.
Why Gums Bleed
Gums bleed for many different reasons but none of them are acceptable if you are seeking optimal health. Bacterial invasion of the tissues, tartar, plaque build-up, and many health issues cause the gums to bleed. If teeth are crowded or very crooked, tight spaces may make certain areas almost impossible to keep clean without professional tools. Periodontal disease often takes hold in these frustrating spots, as well. Stress triggers hormones that will also stir up periodontal issues and cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums.
The Oral-systemic Link
Bacteria that invade the gums and burrow deep into the pockets around the teeth can cause irreparable damage. These harmful bacteria even enter the bloodstream and stir up inflammatory diseases such as heart disease. They can also exacerbate diabetes and make it harder to control. Understanding your medical history and the link to your dental health is vital to overall health and wellness. Our dental team will monitor the two and make recommendations based on what we see.
How To Treat Gum Disease
At your dental check-ups, the dental hygienist will perform a thorough periodontal evaluation where measurements are taken of pockets around the teeth. If pockets are deep and infected, a scaling and root planing procedure will be necessary to arrest the disease process. Your dentist or hygienist will use tools to clean the roots and crowns of your teeth. Gentle ultrasonic devices and various hand tools will scale bacteria and tartar off vulnerable surfaces. For your comfort, laughing gas and numbing agents are offered.
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation
Take proactive steps to treat and prevent periodontal disease. Call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
