At Todays Dental Lexington, we believe your gums play an equally important role in your oral health as your teeth and tongue. Unfortunately, gum health is often overlooked until bleeding, swelling, or discomfort begins.
Ignoring early signs can allow minor gum issues to progress into serious periodontal problems affecting the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Our goal is to help patients at Todays Dental Lexington understand gum diseases early and take proactive steps to protect their smile.
Gum diseases are pathological conditions that affect the periodontal tissues, including the gums and the underlying bone support of the teeth.
Diseased gums may appear red, bluish, swollen, or may bleed. In advanced cases, gums can enlarge and partially cover the tooth crown.
The two most common gum diseases we diagnose at Todays Dental Lexington include:
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is commonly associated with poor oral hygiene or underlying systemic conditions. Caught early, our gingivitis treatment can reverse it completely.
Factors such as pregnancy, metabolic changes, stress, and changes in water supply can contribute to chronic gingivitis.
Common signs of gingivitis include:
Gingivitis may be generalized, affecting the entire mouth, or localized, limited to specific areas.
When gum inflammation extends deeper and affects the supporting bone and tissues of the teeth, it progresses into periodontitis, a more serious condition.
Clinical features of periodontitis include:
At Todays Dental Lexington, early detection of periodontal disease is critical to preventing permanent damage — our periodontal treatment stops the disease before it costs you teeth.
Several factors influence the severity and progression of gum disease:
Patients with compromised immunity or uncontrolled medical conditions are at higher risk for severe periodontal disease.
Preventive care is a core focus at Todays Dental Lexington. Gum diseases can often be avoided through consistent oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices.
Preventive steps include:
Oral health and general health are closely connected, and caring for both plays a vital role in gum disease prevention.
At Todays Dental Lexington, our dental team provides comprehensive gum care using evidence-based approaches.
We focus on patient education, early diagnosis, and supportive periodontal care to ensure long-term oral health for you and your family.
If you experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, swelling, or discomfort, timely evaluation at Todays Dental Lexington can help prevent disease progression.
If you’re concerned about your gum health or want to maintain a healthy smile, schedule a consultation with Todays Dental Lexington.
Your oral health is in safe hands at Todays Dental Lexington.
The earliest signs are gums that look red or puffy, bleed when you brush or floss, and feel tender. Persistent bad breath and a bad taste are also common. At this stage the condition is gingivitis, it is often painless, and many people miss it entirely, which is why routine dental checkups matter.
Bleeding gums are common but not normal. They usually signal inflammation from plaque sitting along the gum line rather than brushing too hard. Stopping brushing in that area makes it worse. Thorough daily brushing and flossing often settles the bleeding within a couple of weeks, and bleeding that persists needs a dental assessment.
Gingivitis, the early stage, is usually reversible with a professional cleaning and consistent brushing and flossing at home. Once it advances to periodontitis and bone around the teeth has been lost, that bone does not grow back on its own. Treatment then focuses on halting further loss and keeping the remaining support stable.
Brush twice daily along the gum line with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean between the teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes. Avoid tobacco, which is a major risk factor, and keep conditions such as diabetes well managed. Regular dental cleanings remove the hardened tartar that home care cannot.
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458 Old Cherokee Rd suite 100, Lexington, SC 29072, United States
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