Gum Treatment

Treatment for bleeding gums

Healthy gums helps to hold your teeth firmly in place and protect teeth from bacteria and infection. Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease which can lead to serious consequences such as loss of teeth. 

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues supporting and surround the teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of bacteria which causes a ”pocket” between the gums and teeth. Bacteria under the gums can dissolve the bone supporting your teeth and cause them to feel loose. This is a silent process and most people do not find out until the tooth has to be extracted. This is why we are extra vigilant when it comes to detecting gum disease.

WHO IS AT RISK OF GETTING GUM DISEASE?

The most common risk factors for gum disease is poor oral hygiene, tobacco smoking and chewing, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, medications such as contraceptives and anticonvulsants and defective fillings and ill fitting bridges.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed during or after brushing. The affected gums are often painful to brushing. If you experience a bad taste or detect pus around your gums, it is likely the disease is in an advanced stage.

Prevention

Excellent oral hygiene like brushing, flossing and regular use of an antiseptic mouthwash is critical in preventing and treating gum disease. You should follow a well balanced diet that does not contain drinks and foods high in sugar. Sugar helps bacteria to grow and stick to your teeth and therefore increases your risk of gum disease. You should see us every 6 months to help you identify and address your risk of gum disease.

Treatment

Treatment of choice is called ”Deep cleaning”. This involves local anaesthesia to numb the gums and cleaning deeply in between the gums and teeth with specialist instruments. The process requires 2-3 visits and is painless. After cleaning the bacteria off your teeth, the gum infection will resolve with good oral hygiene.