If you notice red stains in the sink after brushing your teeth, it could be an early sign of gum disease, a serious oral health condition. This infection affects the soft tissue of your gums, leading to inflammation, gum recession, and, in severe cases, tooth loss. In these cases, seeking prompt periodontal treatment at Carolina Smiles Center is essential to preserving your smile.
Understanding Gum Disease and Its Risks
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious infection that damages the supporting structures around your teeth. Left untreated, it can destroy the bone that holds your teeth in place, leading to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S.
The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. When natural oral bacteria mix with starches and sugars from food, they form plaque—a sticky film that coats the teeth. While brushing twice daily and flossing once a day can remove plaque, neglecting these habits allows it to build up.
Bacteria in plaque release acidic substances that irritate and inflame the gums, causing gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. If left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, which settles beneath the gumline and triggers further irritation and swelling.
The Dangers of Gum Disease
As gum inflammation worsens, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease. This condition leads to the formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums, where bacteria, tartar, and plaque accumulate. Over time, these infections weaken the bone and soft tissue, ultimately causing tooth loss.
Chronic inflammation from gum disease can also strain your immune system, increasing the risk of other serious health conditions. To prevent this, prompt identification thanks to regular dental visits is crucial.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Healthy gums should feel firm and fit securely around your teeth. Gum color varies naturally between individuals, ranging from light pink to dark pink or brown. On the other hand, infected gums may exhibit signs such as:
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Bright red, dark red, or purplish gum color
- Tenderness when touched
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- New gaps between teeth, often appearing as black triangles
- Gum recession, making teeth appear longer
- Pain while chewing, brushing, or flossing
- Oral abscesses—small, pimple-like sores on the gums
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose or missing teeth
Our Periodontal Treatments
Professional Dental Cleaning
During a routine examination, your dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of your teeth. Plaque and tartar deposits harden on the tooth surface and can only be removed by professional cleaning.
If you exhibit symptoms of gum disease, we recommend getting your teeth cleaned by a professional more than twice a year.
Scaling and Root Planing
In this process, rough areas on your tooth roots are smoothed out (planing), and plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line are scraped away (scaling). In addition to eliminating bacteria, smoothing these rough areas gives your gums a clean surface to reattach to your teeth.
It is often performed under a local anesthetic.
Recover Your Health with Our Periodontics Experts
Gum disease is a serious condition, but the good news is that it’s also highly preventable. With regular checkups at Carolina Smiles Center, we can detect early signs of gum disease and provide treatment before it causes significant damage.
If you suspect you may need periodontal care, contact us today and preserve the health of your smile!
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