Patients will often tell me that their gums have always bled, that they have weak gums or a family history of gum disease, so they cannot do anything about their gums bleeding. This could not be further from the truth!

Let me start by saying that healthy gums never bleed! Just because they always have bled does not mean that they always will bleed. Bleeding is actually a sign of active tissue destruction. It is one of the early signs of gum disease (periodontal disease). Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. This inflammation is caused by plaque. We all have plaque, everyday. What you do to remove and limit it is critical to preventing gum disease. Plaque has toxins that irritate the gums which causes redness, swelling, and bleeding. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing it can build up and ultimately cause bone loss and result in tooth loss!

To find out if you have gum disease Dr. Vitale, Stacie or Amy will perform an examination of the gum tissue and take appropriate xrays. The important thing to remember is that EARLY gum disease can be treated and  REVERSED!

If you notice any of the following, you may be experiencing a form of gum disease:

*Gums that bleed or are red, puffy and swollen

*Gums that appear to have pulled away from the tooth

*Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

*Pus that appears between your teeth and gums

*Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

If you are experiencing any of the above, please call today to schedule an appointment! (732) 727-1211