Gum Diseases

Symptoms of Gum Diseases (Bleeding)

Gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) manifest themselves through gum bleeding. However, gum bleeding may not always be noticeable. Especially in smokers, gum bleeding may be suppressed due to the constriction of blood vessels. For this reason, routine gum examinations every six months and, if necessary, scaling should be performed by a dentist. Otherwise, gum recession, jawbone resorption, and curettage treatment become inevitable.

Is Gum Bleeding Normal?

Gum bleeding can often be a sign of an issue with oral health. Bleeding that occurs, especially while brushing or flossing, may be an early indication of gum inflammation.

The most common causes of gum bleeding include inadequate oral hygiene, plaque buildup, and incorrect brushing techniques. If not treated early, it can progress to more serious gum diseases.

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning procedures can help maintain gum health. It is recommended that individuals experiencing gum bleeding do not ignore the condition.

What Are Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease localized only in the gums. Mild redness in the gums and occasional bleeding during brushing may be observed. Timely scaling and regular brushing are the most valuable steps in treatment.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, is characterized by the spread of inflammation that begins in the gums to the tissues surrounding the teeth and the jawbone. Depending on the severity of this gum disease, continuous and increasing bleeding during brushing, tenderness and pain in the gums, localized bone loss in the jaw, tooth mobility due to this bone loss, and tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession may be observed. Advanced stages result in tooth loss.

Gum Recession Treatment

Gum recession can be treated with different methods depending on its severity. Generally, exposed root surfaces are covered using gum grafts obtained from the upper palate area. This procedure, which requires minor gum surgery, is performed by periodontology specialists.

Scaling and Curettage Procedure

Scaling is the mechanical removal of dental plaque and tartar formed on and around the teeth from the mouth. With modern techniques and devices, it is a very easy and painless procedure. If scaling is not performed in a timely manner, it may cause gum inflammation in the affected areas. Therefore, during dental check-ups every six months, scaling should be performed if deemed necessary.

Curettage is a deep gum infection cleaning procedure performed under local anesthesia in advanced cases of periodontitis. Although slight bleeding may occur during the procedure, post-treatment bleeding and pain are minimal, and no sutures are required.

Gum Aesthetics (Gingivectomy)

Gum aesthetics aims to create “pink aesthetics” by reshaping the form, level, color, and symmetry of the gums to achieve a healthier and more aesthetic smile. Elongated, enlarged, or asymmetrical gum areas are removed and reshaped. Tooth length can be increased for aesthetic purposes. Generally, these treatments do not require sutures, and simple painkillers are sufficient after treatment.

What Do Untreated Gum Problems Lead To?

Most periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions and do not present noticeable symptoms such as pain until they reach very advanced stages. In this context, periodontal diseases can remain present in the mouth for many years, progressing without causing significant symptoms and eventually leading to tooth loss. Gum bleeding is almost the only symptom observed at every stage of periodontal diseases.

If gum diseases are left untreated, they can lead to bone loss around the teeth and tooth loss. This condition also results in deterioration of dental aesthetics, speech disorders, and insufficient chewing function. With early diagnosis followed by procedures such as scaling and curettage, gum disease can be controlled without the need for gum surgery.

What is Tartar (Dental Calculus)? What Happens If It Is Not Cleaned?

Tartar is formed when plaque that accumulates on the teeth hardens over time. When daily brushing and flossing are insufficient, the plaque mineralizes and turns into tartar.

The formation of tartar can negatively affect gum health. Uncleaned tartar can lead to gum bleeding, bad breath, and gum recession. In advanced cases, it can cause problems that may even lead to tooth loss.