Do your gums sometimes bleed when you brush or floss? Have you noticed your gums looking swollen or red lately? These could be signs of gum disease, and February is Gum Disease Awareness Month — the perfect time to take stock of your symptoms and schedule an appointment with your dentist if you need gum disease treatment.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth. Left untreated can lead to discomfort, tooth loss, and other complications. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis — when your gums become inflamed, but the infection hasn’t yet damaged the tissue or bone. Pay attention to symptoms like bleeding or painful gums, bad breath, and receding gums. The good news is gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment.
When To See a Dentist
Pay attention to the warning signs of gum disease. Catching it early makes a world of difference, so book an appointment with your dentist if you notice any of the following:
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Spaces around your teeth
- Constant bad breath
Seeing your dentist right away means you can start treatment before extensive damage occurs. Depending on the severity, options may include deep cleaning to remove bacteria below the gum line, antibiotics to control infection, or in some cases, grafting surgery to replace lost tissue.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety for Your Health
If fear or anxiety has kept you from scheduling a dental visit, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with dental phobia stemming from bad childhood experiences, fear of pain, embarrassment over the condition of their teeth, and more. But your oral health impacts your whole body, so it’s crucial to find a dentist who understands your fear and will work with you.
Our dental practice in New York City understands dental phobia, and we take a gentle, compassionate approach to oral health care. In addition to an experienced staff, we also offer sedation dentistry and take every treatment at a patient’s pace.
You and Your Smile Deserve The Best
This Gum Disease Awareness Month, take action to protect your oral health for years to come. Keep up good brushing and flossing habits daily, limit sugary and acidic foods that can damage enamel, and don’t ignore any symptoms like swollen gums or loose teeth.
And if it’s been more than 6 months since your last cleaning due to fear or uncertainty, contact our office to schedule a visit. Our team specializes in alleviating anxiety while providing state-of-the-art periodontal care, because everyone deserves a confident, healthy smile.
Click here to contact us, or click “Book Online” at the top of this page. You can also call our office in Midtown West at 347-506-2872.
