Swollen, Bleeding Gums? We Can Help You Have Healthy Gums
Your gums are not supposed to bleed after you brush and floss. If you went a bit crazy doing those, then maybe a little blood is expected. But if you are bleeding almost every time you clean your teeth, or if your gums are red, swollen, or tender, you could have gum disease. And unless you take care of it, gum disease can make you lose your teeth.
How Can I Get a Disease in My Gums?
Even the cleanest mouth will have some bacteria in it. They feed off tiny particles of food left over when you eat, and when they are living on your teeth, they secrete an acid that eats away at your enamel. This is what causes tooth decay. But this bacteria can also irritate and inflame your gums. Left untreated, this can turn into gum disease.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. This is when the bacteria is on the gums but not underneath them. The advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis. This is when the bacteria infects your gums and is not curable. We will be able to manage it, but once the gums are infected, that is all anyone can do. And that is why it is so important to treat the early stage of gum disease before it gets worse.
Gum disease can ultimately cost you your teeth. If your gums are swollen and red, give us a call today at 828-264-9938 or use our online form to schedule your next appointment with our skilled dentist, Dr. Steven Airey, at Appalachian Dental Care.
