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 people with gum disease may have a higher likelihood of suffering severe COVID-19 symptoms. This is because of 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. Gum disease does not always have noticeable symptoms. This is why regular dental appointments are crucial to preserving oral health.
During these routine exams, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This prevents bacteria from infecting your gums. Regular brushing and flossing can not remove all plaque and tartar.
Other dental patients that already have gum disease will recognize the common signs. Some signs of gum disease include bleeding, swollen, and sore gums. Bleeding can also occur because of brushing your teeth too hard, or using a firm-bristled brush. However, you should take these symptoms seriously.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
If your gums are inflamed or bleeding, your dentist will likely recommend a thorough cleaning to remove excess bacteria. An extensive cleaning will include scaling and root planing to clear away infection from deep in the pockets of your gums.
Advanced stages of gum disease may require more invasive treatment. For example, oral surgery may be necessary to tighten gum pockets. Closing gum pockets will make it easier to keep your mouth clean and reduce the chance of bacteria further infecting your gums.
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 or prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash. The mouthwash will neutralize bacteria in your mouth and reduce the chance of gum infection.
Fix your bleeding gums and other periodontal concerns in our Claremont dental office. To schedule a dental visit and gum health evaluation, contact our office online or by phone at 909-277-6919.