Bleeding Gums? Why Getting Help Now Isn't As Scary As You Think
Posted on: 2 February 2016
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If you suspect that there's something wrong with your mouth, you might be scared to see the dentist in fear that they'll tell you something terrible is wrong with your gums or teeth. However, if the problem is that your gums are bleeding, it's not too late for the dentist to reverse the damage and make it right. And it might not even hurt!
Scaling Doesn't Have To Hurt
When plaque and tartar build up where your teeth and gums meet, that buildup can effectively suffocate your gums. This is often what causes bleeding from the gums, as the gums become infected and start to bleed. Sometimes, in mild cases of gum disease, simply removing the plaque or tartar cap on the gums can allow the gums to drain and begin the healing process.
While scaling used to require using a metal tool to carefully scrape away the plaque and tartar, dentists now use a tool called an ultrasonic scaler. This tool uses ultrasonic waves to loosen the plaque or tartar and wash it away from the gumline. This process is completely painless, easy, and can be the first step to getting your gums healthy again.
Gingivitis is Reversible
One of the earliest stages of gum disease is called gingivitis, and one possible symptom of gingivitis is bleeding gums. If you get to a dentist while you're still in this stage, gum disease is completely reversible. However, putting off seeing a dentist means that gum disease can progress to a more severe form called periodontitis. Once it gets to this point, your gums and teeth can suffer from erosion, severe pain, and you can even lose your teeth. The infection can also potentially spread through your whole body, putting your overall health at risk.
Since gum disease is progressive, this is one of the main reasons why it's important for you to get help right away if you notice that your gums are bleeding.
Many people fear seeing a dentist, either because they're afraid of pain or because they know something's wrong with their mouth and they're afraid to find out what the dentist has to say about it. However, the longer you wait, the more likely that your mouth will get sicker, and the sooner you go, the more likely your dentist will be able to help you with little to no pain. Don't hesitate if your gums are bleeding; seeing a dentist from a company like Family & Cosmetic Dentistry quickly could resolve your problem and grant you a healthy mouth.