Bleeding gums can be alarming, especially if you’re not sure what to do about it. Fortunately, periodontal disease isn’t something that should keep you up at night (pun intended). But before we go into treatment options, it’s important to understand what periodontal disease is, and what might be causing your bleeding gums.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It’s typically caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can irritate your gums, causing them to swell and bleed. Once tartar has become too difficult to remove with regular brushing, you will need professional cleaning from your dentist or dental hygienist.
A key sign of periodontal disease is bleeding gums—or even loose teeth. According to nationwide research, 80% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease in their mouths. If you are experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums or loose teeth, seek treatment as soon as possible.
Located in West-Kelowna, Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry provides treatment for periodontal (gum) disease with a holistic approach. Our motto, “treat it before it’s too late”. Make an appointment today.
How Do I Know If I Have Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Treatment options include scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning), antibacterial agents, and sometimes surgery.
You can help prevent periodontal disease by brushing, flossing or using a water floss system regularly and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings. You may also want to ask Dr. Palmer and her team about the Perio Protect® system, which is a non surgical, at home treatment system or the laser therapy. (see below). Dr Palmer’s office also carries the Young Living® Thieves line of toothpaste and mouth wash which use essential oils rather than harsh chemicals.
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
The following are warning signs of periodontal disease:
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away.
- Red or swollen gums.
- Tender or bleeding gums.
- Painful chewing.
- Loose teeth.
- Sensitive teeth.
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
What Treatment Options are Available for Someone With Gum Disease?
If you have gum disease, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all adults in Canada have some form of periodontal disease. The good news is that there are treatment options available. Here are a few to consider:
1. Regular dental cleanings – This is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing – This is a deeper cleaning than a regular cleaning, and it’s often recommended for those with more advanced periodontal disease.
2. Perio Protect® system or laser therapy. (see below)
3. Gum tissue graft surgery – A piece of skin is cut at the roof of your mouth (palate) to replace affected gum tissue.
Why Choose A Holistic Dentist for Periodontal Disease Treatment?
Your mouth’s ability to heal from periodontal gum disease depends on the advancement of the disease and the extent of damage done. The good news is that there are treatments available to help your gums recover from even advanced stages of periodontal gum disease.
At Health & Beauty Dentistry, Dr. Shauna Palmer uses Perio Protect® trays that resemble mouth guards. These trays rest over your diseased gums and a patented hydrogen peroxide gel is placed in the trays for a few minutes daily to help kill the harmful bacteria in the pockets and help heal your smile non-invasively.
Additionally, Dr. Shauna Palmer uses specialized laser therapy to help focus-in and kill bacteria in your gums with minimal invasion so that your gums and teeth can begin the recovery process. Laser therapy continues to become a revolutionary treatment approach in the oral health industry.
The more intense and severe the periodontitis, typically the longer the healing process and the more rigorous dental treatment you will need. At Health & Beauty Dentistry, Dr. Palmer strives to take the least invasive and most gentle approach possible.
While periodontitis can be extremely upsetting, scary and painful to experience, you can rest assured that the treatment Dr. Shauna Palmer provides, will help support you through the recovery process, whether you are in an early or advanced stage of gum disease. Dentist, Dr. Shauna Palmer, and her hygienist in Kelowna are able to identify any early signs of gum disease and provide treatment accordingly. Treating periodontal disease is important not only to help prevent you from losing your teeth but also improves your overall health as there is a well-studied mouth and body connection.
When you experience any of the symptoms above, please contact us to book a gum disease appointment.
