Kingston TN
Usually, our bodies are efficient at letting us know when something is “off.” This includes our mouths. If you notice pink in your toothpaste when brushing your teeth, your gums are likely bleeding. This can have a few causes. Perhaps you’re an overzealous brusher and/or using a toothbrush with hard, stiff bristles. While many people believe these toothbrushes clean better, they can actually scratch the teeth’s enamel and make gum tissue bleed.
Our Kingston family dentist recommends brushing consistently — not harshly — with a soft-bristled toothbrush to help remove plaque from the teeth. Brush twice a day — once after breakfast in the morning and once before bed — and floss once daily.
If you notice your gums are bleeding after flossing, or if they’re bleeding when you’re brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, you may be dealing with gum disease, which is common, preventable and treatable. Read on to learn more …
What is gum disease, and how does it happen?
Bleeding gums are a common symptom of gum disease. In its mildest form, gum disease is called gingivitis. It affects almost all American adults at some point in their lives.
Gum disease begins from a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and can grow to damage the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It begins with a subpar oral hygiene regimen. Saliva and tooth surfaces host normal bacteria in the mouth that feed on food particles between the teeth or under the gum line if a person isn’t brushing and flossing properly or consistently. This eventually turns into plaque, then tartar, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
Gingivitis — In its mildest form, gum disease can usually be treated by visiting our family dentist in Harriman for a checkup and professional cleaning then strengthening your oral hygiene routine at home.
Periodontitis — Left untreated, gingivitis can grow into periodontitis. By this time, permanent damage has occurred. Pockets form between the gums and teeth, turning them into breeding grounds for bacteria. Plaque has turned into tartar, which cannot be scraped off the teeth’s surfaces at home. Periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth loss — in fact, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults — and it increases your risk of developing chronic health problems like heart disease and stroke.
Gum Disease Treatment in Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood, TN
If you’ve noticed bleeding when you brush your teeth, call our family dentist who specializes in gum disease prevention in the Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood areas. We can determine if gum disease is behind your bleeding gums, and if so, we will explain what steps we can take to treat it. Call LakeView Dental Arts at (865) 248-2199, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
