Taking care of the smile is critical to maintaining good oral health. However, when patients are not brushing and flossing as expected, they are putting their smile at risk of developing a wide range of problems. One of those is bleeding gums. Bleeding gums may be an indication of an infection called periodontal disease. It requires immediate evaluation and diagnosis to effective treat.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition that can cause irreversible damage to the teeth, gum tissues, and bone. It is often referred to as gum disease, as the first symptoms often begin in the soft tissues of the mouth. Bleeding gums is just one of the early signs. Other symptoms include:
- Red, swollen gum tissues
- Sore gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Pockets between gums and teeth
- Loose teeth
When these symptoms appear, patients should request an appointment with Dr. Joseph Cavallo of Woodbridge, VA for a comprehensive examination. If the condition is present, action can be taken to bring the smile back to health and address the problems that are related to the condition as soon as possible.
What will a dentist do once periodontal disease has been diagnosed?
After a proper diagnosis, patients will want to work with their dentist to determine the best course of action for treatment. The earlier stages of periodontal disease often require a deep cleaning by our dental hygienists. Later stages often require more aggressive treatment, including a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is a thorough cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and calculus from the surfaces of the teeth and applies antibiotics to address the actual infection.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Periodontal disease is an avoidable condition. However, if it develops, it cannot be cured—only controlled. Because of this, our dental team strongly urges patients to take good care of their teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and dental examinations.
If you are dealing with bleeding gums, it is time to make a dental appointment today!
Call Dr. Joseph Cavallo and his team in Woodbridge, IA to discuss your oral health and address concerns as they arise. His office is conveniently located at 12502-A Lake Ridge Drive in Woodbridge, VA and can be reached by calling (703) 490-5888.
