If your gums bleed when you brush and floss your teeth, you may be developing gum disease.
Dr. Joseph A. Catanzano III, DDS offers treatment for bleeding gums in Washington, D.C. Bleeding gums are a dental concern that often accompanies gingivitis, a condition which precedes periodontitis, or gum disease. Gum disease develops from the infection of gum tissue. Plaque can inflame the gums, causing them to bleed easily. As the infection progresses, pockets between teeth form, loosening them or causing them to fall out.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
There are multiple symptoms of developing gum disease to be aware of:
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gum line
- Halitosis (Bad breath)
- Swollen or red gums
- Changes in the fit of a denture
- Loose or shifting teeth
Gum disease can also increase a patient’s risk for heart problems such as strokes, heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease. If you believe you may be developing periodontitis, call Foxhall Smiles today. We can help remove the infection and get your gums healthy again.
Treating Bleeding Gums in Washington D.C.
There are multiple surgical and non-surgical methods that dentists can use to treat moderate to severe gum disease. Non-surgical methods include antibiotics, scaling, and root planing. Flap surgery, bone grafting, and tissue regeneration are surgical methods.
Antibiotics will help eliminate the bacteria that cause infection. Scaling is a treatment that removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the mouth. Root planing smooths out tooth roots and combats gum inflammation. As for surgical gum treatment methods, flap surgery lifts gum tissue back to expose tooth roots and clean out bacteria more effectively. Bone grafting treats receding gums by using transplanted bone. Tooth loss can be prevented through tissue regeneration that covers gums and keeps teeth in place.
Frequent Questions
How many days does it take for gums to stop bleeding?
If you take the right steps to stop the bleeding at home, your gums should heal in 3-10 days. Flossing on a regular basis and brushing at least twice daily can aid in the recovery of damaged gum tissue.
How do you treat excessive bleeding gums?
The best way to treat bleeding gums is to practice good oral hygiene and to rinse your mouth out frequently. Smoking, low vitamin levels, stress, and diet all affect gum health. Stopping smoking and increasing vitamin intake will also help treat bleeding gums.
How long does gum disease take to develop?
Inflammation of the gums is a symptom of early-stage gingivitis and can appear in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks gingivitis progresses and typically shows more visible symptoms. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more time you give your periodontitis to progress.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
The average gum surgery procedure lasts two hours. In some circumstances, patients will need to be asleep or semi-conscious during the surgery. Sometimes the operation only entails numbing the gums using a local anesthetic, however the numbing injection used may cause some minor discomfort.
How long is periodontal surgery recovery?
It may take up to two weeks for your gums to fully recover, so it’s critical that you follow your dentists instructions. During this time be careful when chewing and engaging in strenuous activity, as your body is still healing.
Can bone regenerate after periodontal disease?
After periodontal disease, bone cannot regenerate on its own; however, bone grafts, membranes, and tissue-stimulating proteins can be utilized to encourage regrowth in regions where bone has been destroyed.
Can laser treatment cure periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease can be effectively treated using laser therapy. According to recent controlled research, lasers produce comparable outcomes to other treatment options, such as scaling and root planing.
Request a Dental Exam & Consultation
Contact Foxhall Smiles at 202-315-2188. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Catanzano and his professional dental team on our website. Dr. Catanzano and his staff are dedicated to making sure that patients are as comfortable as possible in their office. If you have any remaining questions about periodontal therapy or any other treatments, feel free to ask a dental team member.