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120 GREENWAY CROSS COURT, BELLEVILLE, WI 53508 
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Gum Disease

Don’t Ignore Bleeding Gums

One common misconception among our Belleville patients is that it’s normal for gums to bleed sometimes during regular brushing and flossing. This is a dangerous myth that we would like to put to rest here and now – your gums should never bleed! If they do, it’s a warning sign of early-stage gum disease or gingivitis, and you should consult your Belleville dentist right away for your best chance of treatment and recovery.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is a common and dangerous disease of the gums that affects about 80% of the American adult population, while many cases remain undiagnosed. Gum disease is caused largely by poor oral hygiene, but your risk may increase with other factors such as age, nutrition, diabetes, or tobacco use.

Warning signs and symptoms include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Gum recession

Plaque that is allowed to remain on teeth hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums to the point where they begin to pull away from the teeth, or recede. Left untreated, pockets will form between the gums and the teeth and teeth will eventually fall out.

Consequences

Gum disease can wreak havoc on not only your oral health, but your overall systemic health as well. If left untreated, you’ll have increased risk for:

  • Tooth loss
  • Bone loss
  • Heart attack
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

How can we treat it?

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs and symptoms, or you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease and are in need of a skilled and compassionate periodontist, you’ve come to the right place. We use a tried and true technique called scaling and root planing to clean above and below the gum line, remove infected gum tissue and reattach healthy tissue to the teeth. If you’ve experienced gum recession, we also offer gum grafting to restore tissue and protect teeth.

Take control of your gum disease and your life today! If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with your Belleville periodontist, Dr. Yakowicz at Neighborhood Smiles, give us a call today at (608) 424-3222.