Although it seems that a slight bleeding of gums does not have any importance, the truth is that it is a signal to be taken into account. If you do not act against it, it can lead to periodontitis , which causes teeth to fall.
What are gum diseases?
Periodontal diseases are caused by bacteria that accumulate in the gums and there are two: gingivitis and periodontitis or pyorrhea. The first one is cured with a professional oral cleaning. The second appears when the gingivitis has not been treated and causes the loss of teeth.
Detects alarm signs
Are any of the following signs familiar to you? If so, read on because while some denote the onset of the disease – gingivitis – others show an advanced stage -periodontitis- which is the beginning of irreversible damage.
Bleeding
Bleeding is the first sign that appears and the most visible. It can occur when you brush your teeth or when you eat.
Inflammation
Inflammation also appears in the initial phase. It causes the gums to enlarge and invade part of the tooth , to a greater or lesser extent.
Redness
This is another of the characteristic symptoms of gingivitis. It makes the gums acquire a more intense and bright color.
Sensitivity
In a first phase of the disease, the gums become more sensitive to the toothbrush’s touch , but they do not hurt the rest of the time.
Receding gums
Retraction is already typical of pyorrhea. It causes the gum to “move away” from the tooth, expose its root and spaces appear.
Bad smell / taste
It can appear at any stage and be due to other reasons. But, combined with another of the signs, it is characteristic of this disease.
Phases of treatment
- Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, we performed an x-ray and a probing test . With this test, we assess whether there is bleeding, the depth of tartar accumulated in the gums or if there is bone loss. Thus, we determine if we are facing a periodontal disease.
- Treatment: gingivitis
If we diagnose gingivitis, we recommend a professional oral cleaning and more hygiene at home.
- Treatment: periodontitis
If we diagnose periodontitis, we need to perform a deeper treatment : microbiological analysis, antibiotic to fight bacteria, measurements of the depth of tartar, scaling and root planing, etc.
- Monitoring and revisions
Periodontitis requires regular checkups and maintenance to prevent relapse . According to the regularity marked by the doctor, we carry out measurements, microbiological analysis and scaling and root planing. Gingivitis only requires professional hygiene every 8-10 months.
