Have you noticed that when you brush and floss your teeth, your gums end up red and swollen? What do these different symptoms mean for the health of your gums? Do you know what you might be able to do to help your red or inflamed gums? Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your smile healthy and strong.
One of the first signs of gingivitis is swollen and red gums. If this is left untreated, gingivitis can become much worse and do serious damage to your teeth. Typically, people have gingivitis because of poor dental hygiene, but there are others who have great oral health who still get gum disease. This can be due to family genetics, certain medical conditions, or different medications.
Gingivitis can also be caused by plaque buildup, which can harden into tartar. Fortunately, you can usually remove plaque by brushing your teeth, but you can’t remove tartar with your toothbrush. You see, only a dental professional, such as a dental hygienist, should remove tartar from your teeth and gumline. If bacteria from tartar gets below your gum line, your gums might separate from pearly whites. This can lead to premature tooth loss.
If your gum disease gets bad enough, you may need extensive surgery to save both your gums and teeth. In other words, if you notice swollen gums, or gums that are red and bleeding, please don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Christopher M. Spelman, as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to help you keep your teeth healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about swollen and bleeding gums in Hopewell, New Jersey, please feel free to contact Orlando Family Dentistry, LLC at 609-466-1332. We look forward to receiving your call.