During the ongoing global pandemic, many dental patients have let their oral hygiene lax. However, neglecting oral health can be more detrimental to your wellbeing than you might imagine.
A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that gum disease in dental patients may have a higher likelihood of suffering severe symptoms of COVID-19. This is due to a link between inflamed gums and the body’s systemic inflammatory response.
More than half of American adults over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease. In these trying times, periodontal treatment is more important than ever. Dr. Vijay Patel, a dentist in Claremont, CA, explains why you should talk to your dentist about bleeding gums and other periodontal concerns.
Early Signs of Gum Problems
While gum disease is a common condition, many individuals are not aware that they have it because it does not always have noticeable symptoms. This is why regular dental appointments are crucial to preserving oral health.
During these routine exams, your dentist will clean plaque and tartar from your teeth that were missed during brushing and flossing. This prevents bacteria from infecting your gums.
Other dental patients with gum disease can recognize bleeding, swollen, or sore gums. While bleeding can occur for other reasons, including brushing teeth too hard or with a firm-bristled brush, this symptom should be taken seriously.
Periodontal Treatment
If your gums are inflamed or bleeding, your dentist will likely recommend a thorough cleaning to remove excess bacteria. Extensive cleaning is called rooting and planing and clears infection from deep in the pockets of the gums.
Advanced stages of gum disease may require more invasive treatment. Oral surgery may be necessary to tighten gum pockets which will make it easier to keep your mouth clean and reduce the chance of bacteria infecting your gums further.
Proper oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, will lower your risk of gum problems. Your dentist might also recommend that you use an antibacterial mouthwash to balance bacteria in your mouth and reduce the chance of gum infection.
Fix your bleeding gums and other periodontal concerns in our Claremont, CA dental office. To schedule a dental visit and periodontal evaluation, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 909-277-6919.