Are your gums swollen or sore? One of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults is gum disease - an gums that are sore is an important sign. There are, however, a few additional causes of sore gums.
Brushing or flossing your gums too enthusiastically can cause sore gums. Other causes are mouth ulcers - these can be identified by a white center and red edges. Although ulcers are more common on the cheeks, they absolutely can happen on your gums. Smoking can also cause gum problems, as can chemotherapy. Some women also have gum problems at puberty, in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, if using birth control or, in some cases, every month just before their period.
Your Rockville MD dentist can help with sore, swollen and bleeding gums. The first thing to do is to establish the cause.
Deep cleaning is how gum disease is most frequently treated, which is know as scaling and root planing and involves deep cleaning below the actual gum line. Prescription mouthwash can be prescribed as well, as can a course of antibiotics or even an enzyme suppressant. There are even extreme cases in which flap surgery must be performed - lifting gum tissue back to remove trapped tartar and then sowing these same tissue back into their place. Bone loss is a serious problem that can result from gum disease, and grafts are often necessary for resolving it. You should obviously see a dental professional regular so that this and other issues with gum health can be avoided.
Mouth ulcers generally resolve without proper attention and care, although they can be associated with conditions such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, which are serious. Your dentist might recommend a mouthwash or in some cases antibiotics are necessary.
If your gums are currently sore and bleeding, make an appointment to talk about this issue with your dentist. Your provider will ensure that you aren't in the formative stages of gum disease and can help you regain optimal oral health.
Brushing or flossing your gums too enthusiastically can cause sore gums. Other causes are mouth ulcers - these can be identified by a white center and red edges. Although ulcers are more common on the cheeks, they absolutely can happen on your gums. Smoking can also cause gum problems, as can chemotherapy. Some women also have gum problems at puberty, in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, if using birth control or, in some cases, every month just before their period.
Your Rockville MD dentist can help with sore, swollen and bleeding gums. The first thing to do is to establish the cause.
Deep cleaning is how gum disease is most frequently treated, which is know as scaling and root planing and involves deep cleaning below the actual gum line. Prescription mouthwash can be prescribed as well, as can a course of antibiotics or even an enzyme suppressant. There are even extreme cases in which flap surgery must be performed - lifting gum tissue back to remove trapped tartar and then sowing these same tissue back into their place. Bone loss is a serious problem that can result from gum disease, and grafts are often necessary for resolving it. You should obviously see a dental professional regular so that this and other issues with gum health can be avoided.
Mouth ulcers generally resolve without proper attention and care, although they can be associated with conditions such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, which are serious. Your dentist might recommend a mouthwash or in some cases antibiotics are necessary.
If your gums are currently sore and bleeding, make an appointment to talk about this issue with your dentist. Your provider will ensure that you aren't in the formative stages of gum disease and can help you regain optimal oral health.
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Toothache is painful, so seek a certified Rockville MD dentist online. Get professional pain relief quickly and put a smile back on your face. Find a long established dental clinic by searching at http://www.potomacdentalclinic.com/.