Do your gums bleed or feel tender when brushing or flossing your teeth?
Bleeding and sensitive gums can often be the warning sign of existing gum disease. Let our dentist in Silver Spring, MD, address your gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease as soon as possible.
Left untreated, gum disease can damage both the soft tissues of your gums and the integrity of your teeth. Bleeding gums are one of the common dental concerns Dr. David Rever treats at his dental office in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Healthy gums are the support system for your teeth and also serve as a protective barrier. Keeping harmful bacteria in the mouth from entering the bloodstream is the most important job for your gums. Without this first measure of protection, you are more susceptible to infections and oral cancer.
Poor gum health can increase your risk for various health concerns, from heart disease to systemic diseases such as diabetes. When bacteria penetrate the bloodstream, it can lead to internal inflammation often associated with these larger health concerns. Keeping your gums healthy with routine dental care plays a major role in your quality of life.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen, and/or tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Shifting of teeth or loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Changes in the fit of dentures or an oral appliance
Treating Gum Disease in Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Rever has over 30 years of experience treating gum disease. He can fix it from the early stages, known as gingivitis, to advanced periodontitis. He will evaluate the condition of your gum health and discuss your personal concerns during all routine dental care visits.
If you have been avoiding the dentist for some time and are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, schedule a judgment-free visit. Dr. Rever welcomes new patients and can offer personalized, compassionate care for restoring your oral health. We will give you treatment options and at-home recommendations on how to deal with this dental issue.
Your treatment will depend on the stage and severity of your gum disease. It can include both in-office and at-home procedures and products. Options may include:
- Antibacterial rinses: We may recommend using an antibacterial rinse at home for early-stage gingivitis or chronic gum disease. We will prescribe you a medical rinse that treats gum disease better than just mouthwash.
- Scaling and root planing: This more intense cleaning procedure will remove tartar and plaque built up along the tooth roots and gum line. It will promote new gum tissue to grow faster.
- Laser dentistry: A soft tissue laser can address damaged or diseased gum tissue with less pain, bleeding, or recovery time. The dental laser will stimulate the natural healing process.
- Oral surgery: For advanced cases of periodontitis, oral surgery for damaged tissue areas may be necessary.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Gum Disease Evaluation
If you have concerns about the health of your gums or have noticed any of the above-mentioned symptoms, contact our Silver Spring, MD dentist office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rever. We welcome new patients from Silver Spring, Montgomery County, and many other local communities, including Columbia, Burtonsville, Laurel, and Laytonsville.