It’s almost bedtime, and you are winding down for the night. This includes your nightly oral hygiene routine.

As you look in the mirror, you noticed that your gums seem a little puffy. Have they always been that way? Are you just now noticing?

After brushing your teeth, you remember that you haven’t flossed in a while. So you break off a strand and get to work. That’s when you see something you can’t ignore. Your gums are bleeding. It doesn’t hurt, but it does bother you a bit.

Here’s what you need to know. The swelling and the bleeding are both early signs of gum disease. They also are good reasons to make an appointment at Laser Dental Associates in Sterling Heights, MI. Call 586-977-9050 to schedule an appointment.

Understand What Can Happen

Your teeth are the stars of your smile, but it takes more than attractive teeth to have a healthy mouth. That includes keeping your gums as healthy as they can be.

When your gums are healthy, they look pink and feel firm to the touch. Swelling, redness, and bleeding when you brush or floss are the early warning signs that you have a problem. If you notice those issues, don’t feel bad. Nearly half of all American adults 30 years and older have some type of periodontal disease. Over the course of a lifetime, conservative estimates are that 70 percent of people will deal with a gum infection.

When left untreated, periodontal disease can take a toll on your mouth. The bleeding that once happened only when you brush or floss could start happening at other times. The bacteria that cause gum disease can leave you with persistent bad breath. You may notice pimple-like bumps and receding gums.

Over time, your teeth can start wiggling in their sockets. Many people are not aware that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.

Take Charge

While we are prepared to treat gum disease, we prefer to help you with preventive care. This is why we encourage you to follow the American Dental Association’s guidelines:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily
  • Floss every day
  • Visit us for professional cleanings and exams

Gum disease is common, which is one reason routine visits to our office can help you catch the problem early. By being proactive about your gum health, you can protect your smile for a long, long time.

If you have an infection, here is how we can treat it:

  • Scaling – This is done to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. We’ll get below the gumline to remove this buildup around the roots of your teeth, too.
  • Root Planing – When your roots are clean, we’ll smooth the surface. This makes it harder for bacteria to attach while also making it easier for your gums to reconnect to your teeth.
  • Antibiotics – As a follow-up, antibiotic care can kill the remaining harmful bacteria to reduce your risk of a recurring problem.

Keep Smiling

Don’t let bacteria rob you of your smile. Make good oral care, including flossing, part of your dental routine. Call Laser Dental Associates at 586-977-9050 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment in Sterling Heights, MI.