How to Maintain Healthy Gums with a Dentist in Chevy Chase

Bleeding gums are a common symptom of gum disease. If you have ever noticed a reddish tinge when you spit out excess toothpaste, you could be one of the millions of Americans that are affected by gum disease. Daily brushing and flossing can often prevent and even reverse gum disease in the early stages. However, sometimes a deep periodontal cleaning by a dental professional is needed to banish harmful bacteria from your mouth. If you want to maintain a healthy smile, keep reading to learn how a dentist in Chevy Chase and periodontal therapy can help.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues in the mouth that support a person’s teeth. Also known as periodontal disease, it is often caused by plaque, the sticky bacteria in the mouth that can build up on teeth and eventually harden. There are three stages of gum disease, each progressively worse than the one before it: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.

If left untreated, gum disease can eventually destroy the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease has also been linked to serious health conditions beyond the mouth, such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and cancer.

Common symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
• Inflamed or tender gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath, even after brushing
• Visible pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose teeth

What is a Deep Periodontal Cleaning?

The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can usually be reversed by practicing good oral hygiene at home. However, even with daily brushing and flossing, bacteria can still sometimes build up in those hard-to-reach places in between teeth.

To prevent gum disease from advancing and causing permanent damage inside your mouth, your dentist or dental hygienist can perform a deep periodontal cleaning. This non-surgical procedure typically includes:

• Scaling – Using special dental tools to expertly scrape off all plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins from the teeth and tooth roots.

• Root planing – Smoothing any rough spots on the tooth root where germs can gather, effectively keeping bacteria, plaque, and tartar from re-adhering beneath the gumline.

Am I a Good Candidate?

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), over half of Americans over 30 had bleeding gums, a common symptom of gum disease. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing or you experience any of the other symptoms described above, do not hesitate to contact a Chevy Chase dentist. Taking action early on is critical to preventing the permanent deterioration of your gums and the bones that support your teeth.

Your gums are a vital support system for your smile. Improve your oral health by banishing gum disease through professional periodontal treatment today.

About the Author

Dr. Ronan Freyne strives to provide quality individualized dental care in a comfortable environment. The Georgetown University graduate helps patients beat gum disease by offering deep cleaning, soft tissue laser therapy and antibiotic therapy at his private practice. For more information on gum disease and periodontal therapy, visit Dr. Freyne’s website or call 301-986-0700.