How to Address Sore or Bleeding Gums

You’ve been brushing your teeth, and you notice when you spit there is a fair amount of blood. Your gum tissue might also be red and swollen. Should you contact your dentist?

Absolutely! The team at Montefiore Medical Center encourages patients to make an appointment with their dentist the minute they notice changes in their smile, including changes that involve sore or bleeding gums. This may be an indication that an inflammatory condition such as periodontal disease is present. With a proper diagnosis, treatment can be performed and patients can get their smile back on track to better health and wellness.

What is periodontal disease?

An infection of the smile sometimes referred to as gum disease is known by dentists as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause permanent, irreversible damage to the smile if it is left untreated. One of the earlier signs of periodontal disease is bleeding, swollen, and red gums. With a proper evaluation, your dentist can determine the stage at which the condition has reached and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

How Is Early periodontal disease treated?

The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. This is typically characterized by sore and bleeding gums. This stage may benefit from a thorough cleaning at the dental office and more routine visits until the condition has been controlled, typically an appointment every three months to evaluate progress towards better oral health.

How To Treat Late Periodontal Disease

The later stages, called periodontitis, may benefit from a more aggressive procedure to clean the teeth and the tooth roots called scaling and root planing. Our dental team may also prescribe antibiotics to use in controlling the infection. With the help of a dentist, many patients can reverse periodontal disease and enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile again!

What To do if you believe you have gum disease

If you are experiencing problems such as sore and bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, you may be dealing with a condition such as periodontal disease. With an early diagnosis, many patients are able to restore their smile to its original health and maintain their beautiful smile.  Patients are welcome to contact the team at Montefiore Medical Center at (888) 700-6623 to schedule a consultation at any one of our eleven conveniently located practices.