Causes of Bleeding Gums

If your gums are bleeding, Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs is here to help. Our doctors are skilled in reversing the effects of gum disease and our hygienists can give your teeth a cleaning that will help prevent infection from coming back. However, it is important to understand that bleeding gums are a serious issue, even if you only see blood while brushing and flossing.

In the vast majority of cases, bleeding gums are caused by infections in the gum pocket, the space between a tooth’s root and the gum. Bacteria here eat food debris and produce acid, which sticks to teeth as plaque. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar. The acid irritates the gum tissue, causing it to swell, become discolored, and bleed.

Regular brushing and flossing are necessary to slow plaque build-up and keep gum inflammation under control, but it is important to only use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard bristles can bruise the gums, making the problem worse. Removing plaque is something patients cannot do themselves. People who are pregnant, suffer from dry mouth, or are on blood thinner medication are especially at risk for gingivitis and should seek dental help.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit SouthernCrossFamilyDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Periodontitis Prevention

Gingivitis is reversible because it doesn’t attack the bone underneath the tooth. Periodontitis, however, is not. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose and eventually cause teeth to fall out if the condition is not properly treated. Fortunately, our doctors at Southern Cross Dental can treat periodontitis if it arises, but we hope you never let your oral health status get this far.

Like gingivitis, periodontitis begins with plaque. Therefore, the easiest way to prevent periodontal disease is to keep your teeth as clean as possible. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will become aggressive. Ongoing inflammation will result in pockets developing underneath the gums and will fill with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. You should schedule an appointment with us if you notice inflamed, swollen gums, or gums that are tender to touch.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Gingivitis

When we consume carbohydrates and don’t brush our teeth after our meal, plaque will build up on tooth enamel. As plaque advances, it will harden and turn into tartar which only our team of hygienists at Southern Cross Dental is able to remove. When proper oral hygiene habits aren’t practiced, this puts a patient at risk for gingivitis. The best ways to prevent gingivitis is to brush and floss daily and visit our office for routine dental cleanings.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and though gingivitis is reversible, our doctors want to encourage patients to practice prevention. Classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis include swollen or puffy gums, or tender gums that bleed when you brush and floss. The good news is that if you floss at least twice a day for one week you will notice a reduction of blood in the sink, or it may disappear completely. If you are a smoker, avoiding cigarettes will optimize your periodontal health. Gingivitis prevention begins at home by brushing for two minutes at least twice a day. Never forget to visit us for professional cleanings twice a year.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Many of us have heard of gum disease, but do we really know how it develops? Gingivitis is considered the first stage of gum disease but if left untreated, it can advance into periodontitis. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS want to be sure our patients know how gum disease develops so we can work together to avoid it.

When gums become red, puffy, irritated, and start bleeding, this is often considered gingivitis. As stated before, gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It is caused from plaque and tartar that remain on the teeth. Plaque and tartar are formed from bacteria and when they are not removed, they can irritate the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance into a worse form of gum disease, called periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious condition that can destroy soft tissue and bone tissue. It can also spread infection which leads to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Characteristics of periodontitis include swollen gums, bright red or purple gums, tenderness, receded gums, loose teeth, lost teeth, a bad taste in your mouth, and bad breath. Pus may also form in the spaces between your teeth and gums. Periodontitis is much harder to get rid of. Recovery can include full-mouth scaling and planing procedures and gum grafts.

While gum disease can turn very serious, it is also completely preventable. Taking great oral care at home and seeing your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations will make sure you stay on top of your oral health. To schedule your next appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717. Appointments may also be made through our Southern Cross Dental website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com.