Before going to bed, you brush your teeth and spit. You can’t help noticing something. Your gums are bleeding.

Is that normal? Only if you have gum disease.

If bleeding is your only symptom, then you may be able to reverse the infection before it turns into a more advanced form of periodontal disease. Kirchner Dental can help regardless of whether you are seeking preventive care or gum disease treatment.

Make an appointment at our dentist office if you live in Jeffersonville, IN, by calling or contacting us online.

Gingivitis: Early Gum Disease

The bleeding that can occur when you brush and floss is a telltale sign of gingivitis. This is considered a mild form of gum disease.

Other symptoms of this condition include swollen gums and gums that appear redder than usual.

Often gingivitis develops as a result of people not brushing and flossing like they should. In spite of what you may have seen in the news in recent months, flossing does help treat gum disease at this stage.

Following the American Dental Association’s guidelines can, in fact, lead to a reversal of your gingivitis. Here’s what everyone should be doing, according to the ADA:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time
  • Scrub your teeth on all sides with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Clean between your teeth and gums at least once daily with floss or another interdental cleaner
  • Visit your dentist for professional dental cleanings and examinations

At Kirchner Dental, our staff will give you a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup. We will examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, oral cancer, and gum disease.

We also let you know what should be done to clean up your gums if needed.

Periodontitis: Advanced Gum Disease

Let’s assume for a moment that you ignore your bleeding gums and make no effort to address the situation developing in your mouth.

Gingivitis can turn into the advanced gum disease known as periodontitis. If that happen, being more disciplined about your flossing is not going to make a difference.

This is the stage when professional help at Kirchner Dental can do what you aren’t able to do with your oral health routine at home.

We offer what we call gum therapy. This is a non-surgical gum disease treatment.

The bacteria that cause gum disease already live in your mouth. If they grow enough, they will form plaque. If that plaque hardens, it becomes tartar. That tartar creates a barrier that protects the bacteria and allows it to infection your gums and cause inflammation.

Our team at Kirchner Dental can remove the infection in many cases through a process called scaling and root planing. This is similar to the cleaning you receive on a routine visit, only the hygienist goes deeper to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the roots of your teeth.

When To Make Appointment For Gum Disease Treatment

If your gums are bleeding, that’s a good reason to call us, but the symptoms listed below are reasons to make an appointment as soon as possible.

These are signs that periodontitis has taken hold in your gums:

  • Soreness and tenderness in your gums
  • Pus leaking from your gums
  • Gums separating from your teeth (receding gums)
  • Constant bad breath
  • Teeth that feel loose in their sockets

Behind the scenes, you may have pockets forming inside your gums. These are spaces where bacteria, plaque, and tartar can grow where it won’t be removed by brushing and flossing.

Over time, bacteria may eat into the bone that is holding your teeth in place. That combined with your receding gums is why gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.

Dr. Kirchner would rather you keep all your teeth. That’s also why he encourages all our patients to make gum health a priority, too.

Preventive care is the best way to deal with gum disease. That’s we urge you to brush and floss daily and to visit our dentist office in Jeffersonville, IN, twice a year for regular cleanings.

Bring Your Gum Disease Questions To Us

We want to see your smile for years and years to come. We want your gums to stay healthy and your teeth to stay in place.

If you have questions about gum disease or gum disease treatment, contact Kirchner Dental.

You can make an appointment by filling out our online form or by calling 812-913-6093.