Bleeding GumsAn Overview
At some point, practically everyone will experience bleeding gums. If you experience persistent bleeding gums, contact our dental office because you may be experiencing early signs of gum disease. Dr. Roham Rafat is a periodontist near Hunt Valley, Sparks and Phoenix, MD. We offer periodontal therapy for patients experiencing bleeding gums and all stages of gum disease.
Gum disease is the most chronic dental condition affecting American adults. Three-quarters of adults have some form of gum disease. When treated early, gum disease is easy to cure. Routine visits to the dentist for screening and professional teeth cleaning can help you intercept problems in the early stage and avoid complicated treatment.
Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease has several stages. The earliest stage is called Gingivitis, characterized by an inflammation of the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease may include:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Sore gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
Bleeding Gums What to Expect
If you have bleeding gums, you should seek professional treatment. Do not attempt to self-medicate with ointments or over-the-counter medications. A periodontist like Dr. Rafat is a dentist that specializes in the treatment of gum disease. Dr. Rafat can advise you on the best treatment for your situation.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums
If you have early signs of gum disease, Dr. Rafat may recommend an intensive dental cleaning or a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is an in-depth cleaning which removes plaque and tartar from the deep gum pockets and smooths the root surfaces. The dentist may suggest that you make more frequent visits to monitor the health of your gums and be sure that optimal health is restored.
Arestin®
Dr. Rafat also uses Arestin®, a powerful antibiotic, for gum disease treatment. Arestin® is used during scaling and root planing procedures to kill bacteria deep within pockets below the gumline. Arestin® is better than an oral antibiotic because it concentrates treatment only where you need it.
For advanced conditions, Dr. Rafat will recommend other treatments and in extreme cases, he may suggest gum surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have bleeding gums or sore gums, schedule a consultation with Hunt Valley area dentists Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat for a periodontal screening to check for signs of gum disease. Call (410) 803-5587 or request an appointment online.
