If your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth you may think this is normal and ignore it, but bleeding gums can be a sign of underlying problems. Bleeding gums is often caused by harmful plaque, and the millions of bacteria in it, found at or around the gum line. Left too long this plaque can lead to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.

Besides gingivitis you can also have bleeding gums from:

• Smoking and/or vaping
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy
• Medication you are taking
• Vitamin K deficiency

There are things you can do to help maintain healthy gums and reduce bleeding or the chance of developing gingivitis.

Since bleeding gums are mainly due to inadequate plaque removal, starting an effective oral hygiene regimen is a great way to help prevent bleeding gums. Brushing twice a day in a circular motion along the gum line will help stimulate and strengthen your gum tissue. As well, flossing once a day will help get rid of any plaque or food that is trapped between your teeth and under the gums.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking or vaping, and eating a diet low in sugar and simple carbohydrates will also improve the health of your gums.

If your gums continue to bleed when flossing and brushing, after you've tried to improve your oral hygiene, please call Sherwood Dental and let one of our dentists evaluate your flossing technique and whether or not there is a need for gum treatment.

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Scaling and root planning is a process with many different names: conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy, deep cleaning. Whatever you decide to call it, it is the process of removing dental plaque and calculus in order to restore health to the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease.

When is scaling and root planing necessary?

Every year, the dental hygienist uses a special tool to measure pockets: this tells us how far your gums have pulled away from your teeth. If pockets are deep or roots have tartar on them, this deep-cleaning treatment is necessary.

What can be expected with this treatment?

Scaling and root planing cleans between the gums and teeth all the way down to the base of the pocket along the roots. Your dental hygenist uses periodontal scalers and periodontal curettes to accomplish this deep cleaning. A local anesthetic may be needed to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth. We also offer a numbing rinse called dyclonine to this as well.

Depending on the depth of cleaning required, an ultrasonic tool may be used. It is not as uncomfortable as the scalers and curettes used to remove plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth.

Is the treatment painful?

If anesthesia is used for root planing and scaling, your lips and gums may be numb for a few hours. This process causes little if any discomfort to our patients.

How well does scaling and root planing work?

If you will brush and floss regularly following your procedure, your gum disease should reverse or at least stabilize. The tissues that surround and support your teeth and gums will heal and be firm and pink again.

If you use tobacco, stop. Smoking and chewing tobacco prevents your body's ability to fight infection and heal quickly. Find out more on the health hazards of tobacco use here: http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/default.htm

Are there any risks involved?

Harmful bacteria can be introduced into the bloodstream because of this deep-cleaning process. It is possible that gum tissue can become infected. If your condition is severe or infections are dangerous to you, you may need to take antibiotics before and after treatment. Talk with your dentist before treatment if you:

• Have heart problems
• Have an impaired immune system
• Have had major surgery
• Have man-made body parts, such as a hip replacement or heart valve

Scaling and root planing stops gum disease. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can lower your risk of gum disease in the first place. Schedule your checkup with Sherwood Dental today. Call (780) 464-4166 and stop gum disease in its tracks!

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Good oral hygiene goes hand-in-hand with your overall well-being. How so, you ask? Great oral hygiene:

• Prevents plaque, gingivitis and gum disease in your mouth
• Goes hand-in-hand with a healthy cardio-vascular system
• Keeps you out of the dentist's chair, saving you time
• and Earns you a terrific smile, too!

Good Oral Hygiene Prevents Plaque, Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Plaque and gingivitis are caused by bacteria growing in your mouth. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day combined with flossing once a day prevents the growth of bacteria in your mouth.

Proper Oral Hygiene Rewards with a Healthy Cardio-vascular System

Those who practice good oral hygiene are often rewarded with a healthy cardio-vascular system. This is because poor oral hygiene allows plaque and bacteria to grow in your mouth. Bacteria then passes directly into your bloodstream through your gums and on into your heart.

Good Oral Hygiene Saves Time

Plaque and gingivitis can mean additional trips to the dentist. When you practice good oral hygiene, there's no need to visit the dentist's office more than is necessary. We see our patients two, three or four times for a good cleaning each year based on their individual needs.

Great Oral Hygiene Earns a Terrific Smile

Prevent plaque and gingivitis from growing in your mouth in the first place. Brush twice a day - after eating a good breakfast and before going to bed - and floss daily. These daily practices combined with eating healthful foods (low-sugar, low-carbohydrate) will earn you a terrific smile!

If you've been practicing efficient oral hygiene on a daily basis, good for you! It really shows in your terrific smile! If not, call Sherwood Dental at (780) 464-4166 and schedule an appointment today. Then, start practicing good oral hygiene daily for your total well-being.

Resource:

http://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/electric-toothbrushes

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