Do you have red, swollen, or sensitive gums? Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss your teeth? You may have gingivitis. Gingivitis, also known as gum inflammation, is a precursor to gum disease. Patients with gum inflammation can receive professional treatment as well as continue to care for their oral health at home to reverse their symptoms. It is important to stop gum inflammation before it becomes periodontitis. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a difficult treatment to reverse as it progresses. Dr. Sara Gotwalt can treat patients with gingivitis and bleeding gums in her Lititz, PA dental office. She takes a comprehensive approach to care by fully examining her patient’s smiles and recommending treatment based on their symptoms and goals.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are several common signs of gum inflammation and gum disease:
- Gum sensitivity and swelling
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Red or purple-tinged gums
Contact our office if you notice symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis. We will thoroughly examine your smile to find the right solution to meet your specific symptoms. Our dentists recommend that you visit our office as soon as you notice changes in your oral health so we can address your problem ASAP.
Treating Bleeding Gums in Lititz, PA
Some of the best options for patients with bleeding gums are deep cleaning treatments. At home, patients can floss and brush their teeth twice a day to remove harmful bacteria from their teeth and gums. However, sometimes this is not enough to prevent gingivitis.
Scaling and root planing are some of the best in-office treatments to remove plaque and tartar. During scaling treatment, our dental hygienists remove bacterial buildup on and beneath the gums. Root planing smooths the tooth roots to help them reattach to teeth. These deep-cleaning treatments prevent further gum irritation and slow the spread of infection. Our dental hygienists use specialized dental tools to remove hardened bacteria, which can be difficult for patients to do at home. Patients can also receive antibacterial rinses along with cleanings in our office. These rinses minimize harmful bacteria in the mouth.
For patients who already have gum disease, we will recommend gum surgery. There are a variety of gum surgeries for different problems caused by periodontitis. Gum grafting takes healthy gum tissue from one part of the mouth and places it where it is needed. Patients with deep gum pockets benefit from grafting treatment. Other oral surgeries may remove diseased tissue from the mouth to stop the spread of gum disease. We remove patients to local oral surgeons to perform periodontal surgery.
Reverse Gum Damage Today
Do you think you may have gum inflammation or early signs of gum disease? Call our dental office for a dental appointment at 717-627-6980. Feel free to request a dental consultation with us on our website. Please let Dr. Gotwalt know if you have questions about your options for gingivitis and periodontitis treatment. She is always happy to help her patients find the right care for their oral health needs.