Find Relief for Your Sore Gums

When your gums are sore, your entire mouth hurts, and the condition is nothing to ignore. Alexander Pritsky, DMD, offers relief for gum disease through the periodontal treatment in the Fresno area.

The Causes of Sore Gums

Tenderness is a common symptom of gum disease. From milder gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, gum disease typically exhibits:

• redness
• swelling
• bleeding when flossing or brushing
• pus at the gum line
• bad breath
• tooth mobility
• gum recession
• gums pulling away from teeth and root surfaces
• exposed roots
• bone loss
• tooth loss
• gum pocket depth of greater than 3 mm

Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta reports that 3/4 of American adults over 35 have some degree of gum disease. Despite innovative periodontal treatments, the condition remains the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Plus, this oral health problem impacts systemic health, being linked to diabetes, heart attack, stroke, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications.

Periodontal disease originates in many factors, some of which could be avoided with lifestyle changes. For instance, smoking and insufficient oral hygiene (poor brushing, flossing, check-ups and cleanings) contribute to sore, infected and failing gums. Unfortunately, heredity, something patients cannot control, and hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy and menopause also play significant roles in gum problems.

What to do

Sore gums are not hopeless, but at-home and in-office treatments can heal the condition and stop the damage. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Oral Implantology, Dr. Alexander Pritsky offers precise periodontic treatments in his Fresno, CA office.

Prevention in the way of 6-month dental exams and hygienic cleanings frees teeth and gums of bacteria-filled plaque and tartar. Root planing smooths root surfaces so gums reattach. These treatments are delivered via hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning. The doctor sometimes instills antibiotics at the gum line to quell infection. He also offers surgical procedures to debride tissues and promote healing.

Dr. Pritsky advises these common sense strategies for healthy gums:

• quitting tobacco use
• anti-bacterial mouth rinses
• a healthy diet
• stress reduction
• gentle daily flossing and twice-daily brushing
• routine dental exams and prophylactic cleanings

Having Symptoms?

Gum disease is treatable. So, get to the Fresno offices of Alexander Pritsky DMD. His friendly staff will be happy to arrange a consultation for you. Call today: (559) 298-3900.