If your gums ever bleed after normal brushing or flossing, you may think of it as no big deal. However, in many cases, bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease, a progressive bacterial infection that can cause serious damage to your mouth. This disease affects nearly half of all American adults over 30 and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Fortunately, treating gum disease early can reverse your symptoms and restore your oral health.

Causes and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque, a clear, sticky substance that can infect your gum tissue if not removed by brushing and flossing; this leads to gingivitis, the mildest and most common form of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become red, swollen and easy to make bleed. Otherwise, gum disease can show little to no warning signs until the disease has entered the later stages of development. Patients may believe that their mouths are healthy when they are not.

Gingivitis that is not treated can progress to become periodontitis, a more severe infection that can eat away at gum tissue and the bones that support teeth. As a result, teeth may begin to feel loose and can eventually fall out. Gum disease can even affect your overall health and has been linked to increased rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

At Villanova Dental Studios, we offer a wide range of treatments to address the progression of gum disease. Our dentists will perform a comprehensive exam using advanced dental technology. Based on the results, they can develop a personalized care plan to help restore your oral health. Depending on the stage and severity of gum disease, our dentists may suggest comprehensive treatment options such as:

• Perio Protect®
• Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)
• Scaling & Root Planing
• Surgery to Reduce Pockets
• Bone or soft tissue grafting

Schedule An Appointment

To learn more about your gum disease treatment options, visit Villanova Dental Studio in Stittsville, ON. To schedule an appointment, call (613) 604-4722 or request an appointment online.