Does your head bleed when you brush your hair?

Sort of a silly question, but why do some people accept bleeding gums as normal when they are brushed or flossed?

Periodontal (gum) disease is often silent and painless, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease include the following:

      Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth

      Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food

      Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before

      Loose or separating teeth

      Pus between your gums and teeth

      Sores in your mouth

      Persistent bad breath

      A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Gum disease can affect your overall health.

Expectant mothers who have gum disease are at much greater risk of having a premature or low        birth weight baby.

Diabetics with gum disease have more difficulty controlling their blood sugar than those with a healthy mouth.

There is a strong association between gum disease and a higher incident of cardiovascular disease in the form of heart attacks and strokes.

               Recent research indicates that Kidney disease is also associated.

The cause and effect relationship appears to be associated with the chronic bacterial infections, which is what gum disease is, and the body’s inflammatory response.

The good news is that gum disease can be controlled.  It’s important to catch it as early as possible before your bones, teeth and systemic health are affected.

Proper oral care both professionally and personally, is essential.  In our office we are very detailed in our evaluations and treatment to assure the most optimal results.

One of our tools, PerioProtect, http://dentalcareatitsfinest.com/perio_protect.php uses customized trays to place medication under the gums.  Ultrasonic toothbrushes, irrigators, interdental brushes, and soon to be on the market, AirFloss  http://www.facebook.com/notes/dentistry-in-philadelphia-drs-steinberg-weger/hate-to-floss-dont-floss-youll-love-this/217477784937025  are some of the tools we use.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office immediately at 215-735-8844 for an appointment or visit our website at www.DentalCareAtItsFinest.com.  Your health is important to us and we are here to help you.

Carl Steinberg, DDS, MAGD