Bleeding gums are a sign of bacterial infection, and you should not take it lightly. Bacteria found naturally in the mouth can be disrupted by brushing or flossing, but if you get out of the habit, they can form plaque and tartar, shielding them from your home cleaning routine and allow them to destroy your teeth, gums, and bone. Smile Brighter in Willoughby Hills offers non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease so you can preserve your teeth and improve your smile.
The stages of gum disease
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Plaque forming bacteria infect your gums, causing swollen or red gums. You may notice a sour smell to your breath, and your teeth may bleed when you brush them. If you receive treatment before the infection advances, you can preserve your gum tissue and protect your teeth from decay. Our team can clear up gingivitis with deep cleaning and fit you with custom-molded trays so you can apply oxidizing cleaning agents to destroy bacteria in your gum tissue that cannot be reached by brushing or flossing.
As gum disease advances, the infection spreads deeper. Eventually, it can infect your jawbone and enter your bloodstream. Periodontal disease forms deep pockets in your gum. These abscesses cause your gum line to pull away from your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay. They may also feel loose to the touch, and eventually, they can fall out. At this point, the damage is irreversible, but treatment can manage the condition and prevent it from advancing further. We utilize laser gum therapy to remove infected tissue and destroy the bacteria in your mouth, as well as deep cleaning with scaling and root planing. If you have tooth pain or sensitivity, or your teeth feel loose to the touch, you should seek treatment immediately.
Oral health affects your whole body
When your body is dealing with an infection, it adds stress to your immune system. Periodontal disease is linked to blood pressure and heart health issues, and prompt treatment can mean the difference between saving your teeth or losing them. Contact our office in Willoughby Hills at (440) 210-0999 to learn more about your periodontal health.
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