How your dentist in Hazel Park, MI, can help you maintain healthy gums
Bleeding gums can really affect the beauty of your smile. Bleeding gums can also affect your oral health and your general health. In fact, when you have an unhealthy mouth, it puts you at greater risk of having heart problems or having a stroke. The good news is, your dentist can help when you have bleeding gums.
Dr. Thomas Weigel in Hazel Park, MI, provides comprehensive dental care, including preventive treatment for gum and periodontal disease.
Bleeding gums are a sure sign of gum disease. Your gums bleed because they are inflamed and infected by harmful bacteria contained in the plaque on your teeth.
In addition to bleeding gums, look out for these other signs and symptoms of gum disease:
- Puffy, swollen gums
- Red, irritated gums
- Gums that have lost their normal contours
- Gum pain when you eat, brush, or floss
- A sour taste in your mouth
- Frequent bad breath
Fortunately, you can reverse the harmful effects of gum disease and make your gums healthy again. The key is to get rid of plaque and reduce bacteria levels in your mouth. You do this by:
- Brushing after you eat and before you go to bed
- Flossing all of your teeth every day
- Visiting your dentist at least once each year for a dental examination and x-rays
- Visiting your dental hygienist at least once every six to twelve months for a professional dental cleaning
Regular visits to your dental care team help ensure your gums are carefully monitored. Untreated gum disease can often turn into periodontal disease, a condition that cannot be reversed. In fact, periodontal disease is one of the main reasons people lose their teeth.
Your dentist and dental hygienist are experts at diagnosing and treating gum disease, so you can enjoy a healthy smile for life. To find out more about the prevention and treatment of bleeding gums, call Dr. Thomas Weigel in Hazel Park, MI, at (248) 544-9010. Call today!