Why Do Gums Bleed When Brushing?

If you’ve ever had the uncomfortable discovery of pink-colored toothpaste in the sink, you may know the effects of gums that bleed when brushing. But how do you know if this seemingly small dental problem won’t lead to others? Find out by reading below or visiting your local dentist in Northern Virginia at Priti Naik DDS!

Red Or Bleeding Gums? It’s NOT Normal!

Most people you meet will tell you that they have had a sensitive tooth, toothache or noticed that their gums bleed after brushing. But rest assured, although these common dental concerns seem common, they may still need professional care. Reddened or bleeding gums can be a sign of over-brushing or flossing with too much force, but they may also indicate a more serious and chronic dental condition known as gum disease.

Understanding Risks of Gum Disease

Itchy, red or swollen gums may be symptoms of gum disease or gingivitis, in which harmful plaque and dental calculus form a strong barrier of tartar on the teeth. This buildup of debris can lead to a chronic inflammation of the gums and result in tooth decay, mouth pain, sensitive teeth and gums that bleed when brushing. In its more advanced form of periodontitis, this destructive oral condition may need a treatment known as scaling and root planing to remove bacteria from below the gum line.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

If you have noticed that your gums feel funny lately or you have sudden tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods, you may need the help of your local dentist. At Priti Naik DDS we recommend you give us a call at (703) 288-1800 to schedule a gentle dental exam if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Redenned or swollen gums that bleed when brushing
• Receding gum line where teeth appear to be getting longer
• Gums that feel itchy, sensitive or cause pain in the mouth
• A dental abscess in the gums forming around the teeth
• Bad breath that won’t go away

Treating gum disease is usually a simple process that requires diligence by yourself and your dentist. In its earlier stages, brushing and flossing regularly and using a fluoridated toothpaste can make a large impact on reducing or preventing symptoms. But to best ensure that you have effectively recovered from or prevented gum disease, it is highly recommended to keep up with regular visits to your dentist for quality dental cleanings and to monitor your dental health.

Gum Health And Systemic Health

Dentists nationwide are continuing to tie the effects of dental health to the systemic health of the entire body. Gum disease in particular has been lined to certain health conditions such as cardiovascular health, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and pregnancy complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight. To best protect your entire body from the effects of poor dental health, practice regular brushing and flossing and visit your dentist every six months for a bi-annual dental exam, where preventive dental care can have a large impact on your overall health.

Healthy Gums At Your Local Dentist in Vienna

At Priti Naik DDS our team is dedicated to serve you as your best family dentist in Vienna. If you or a loved one hasn’t been to the dentist in awhile or has noticed a change in their dental health, give us a call at (703) 288-1800 to schedule a convenient dental checkup. In our welcoming dental office, we look forward to providing the best quality dental care for your unique dental needs. Smile confidently at your gentle dentist with Dr. Priti Naik!

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Questions To Ask When Looking For A Local Dentist

What Should I look For In A Dentist Near Me?

For most of us, finding a new dentist is a matter of necessity after we’ve moved to a new place, changed insurances, or haven’t been to the dentist in awhile. For some of us, we’ll stay with the same family dentist forever unless a negative or undesired experience compels us to think about changing dentists. Whatever the initial reason is, looking for a new dentist can feel like walking in the dark if we don’t know what to look for! At Priti Naik DDS in Vienna, we believe we’re a unique dental practice raising the bar in family and cosmetic dentistry. If you’re looking for a new dentist in the area, here are a few questions to make your choice one you’ll be happy with for a lifetime!

How Accessible is My Dentist?

Can you make your appointment on the way back from picking the kids up from school and grabbing groceries for dinner? Was your last dentist open six days a week?

Location, location, location!

Located just off of Route 7 and minutes from Freedom Hill Elementary School, Kilmer Middle School and Marshall High School, our office is a convenient stop for patients and their families. After your visit, grab a bite to eat or try on a new pair of jeans at the Tysons Corner Mall.

And hours, too!

Have you ever rushed to the post office after work, just to find it closed? At Priti Naik DDS we’re open SIX days a week with availability to take same-day appointments in case a loved one has an unfortunate dental emergency.

Is The Dentist Near Me Better Than The Rest?

Is your care really in the best hands if your dentist hasn’t continued their education since they first graduated dental school? At Priti Naik DDS we’re not just any local dentist in Vienna–we’re a modern foundation for learning and advancing our skills through patient education and keeping up-to-date with the latest in modern dental technology. Treatment in everything from restorative to cosmetic dentistry are more advanced, which has a number of unique benefits:

• Our multidisciplinary staff makes every appointment convenient! We have both an Endodontist to perform root canals and a Periodontist for gum grafting and dental implants in-office!

• Patients spend less time waiting on traditional X-rays or dated treatment techniques, which means less time is spent per appointment and less appointments are needed per treatment.

• Treatments such as root canal therapy and dental implants are more accurate and precise, which allows appointments to be painless and gentle and encourage faster healing.

 

A Personal Touch At Priti Naik DDS

No matter if your dentist is your neighbor next door or holds countless certifications, the biggest difference in choosing a local dentist is finding a dental practice that cares about you and your family. At Priti Naik DDS, our commitment to our community is obvious. Whether we’re helping your youngest giggle through their first dental exam or fitting your teenager for trendy, custom Invisalign braces, we’re happy to be the local dentist in Vienna your family feels at home with. Has it been six months since your last appointment to the dentist? Give us a call and get to know our friendly staff!

Learn More About Your Dentist in Vienna!

At Priti Naik DDS, we’re glad to have the best treatments available in family dentistry and conservative care for all of your family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for gentle root canal therapy for a nagging toothache, or need immediate care for a dental emergency, our staff places your care and comfort before anything else that we do. When we’re able to straighten teeth more quickly with Invisalign clear aligners or preserve more of your natural tooth with custom dental veneers, our patients feel more comfortable and positive about going to their six month checkups. If you’re looking to book your next cleaning or exam in Vienna, give us a call at 703-288-1800. We’re excited to care for you and your family.

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Tongue Problems

Having a tongue that is in good physical shape is an important part of overall oral health. A healthy tongue is slightly bumpy with a light pink coloring. There are numerous problems that can happen to the tongue from lacking oral hygiene, so keeping the tongue clean is a necessity in avoiding these illnesses.

White tongue

The tongue can develop a white, filmy coating on the top of the tongue for a variety of different reasons. One of the reasons the tongue can turn white is called oral thrush, in which a type of fungus in the mouth is allowed to grow out of control. This type of white fungus usually grows in a spotty manner and can be caused by ill-fitting dentures, using tobacco products or certain medications. The other two causes of white tongue, oral lichen planus and leukoplakia, are not necessarily caused by problems within oral care.

Red tongue

The healthy tongue is regularly a light pink color, but it can turn into a bright red which indicates a problem with oral health. One of the main causes of this dysfunction in the tongue is a vitamin deficiency, so having a healthy diet is a necessity in having a healthy, pink-colored tongue. The other causes of having a red tongue is having an illness, like scarlet fever, so keeping general health in check is a must.

Hairy, black tongue

The tongue naturally grows hair-like fibers, but they are typically ground down by using the mouth to eat and various other activities. Sometimes, these hair-like things do not wear down, and their long fibers attract bacteria and make it easier for them to multiply. As bacteria multiply, they become black or dark brown in appearance which causes the tongue to look dark and the hair-like fibers to be more pronounced. This can be avoided by keeping the tongue clean by brushing it and rinsing with mouthwash regularly to avoid excessive bacteria.

Bumpy Tongue

The tongue naturally has some small bumps on it where the taste buds are, but the bumps can become heavily defined and even painful. This can happen if an individual uses tobacco products that can cause tongue irritation. Another reason the tongue can become bumpy is due from stress, such as developing canker sores, which can be avoided by lowering an individual’s overall stress level. Bumps on the tongue are also a form of cancer, so if unsure check with a dental professional.

Sore Tongue

Tobacco use is one of the main culprits in causing the tongue to become sore and painful. Avoiding tobacco products is a necessity in maintaining oral health, and keeping the tongue feeling healthy and happy. Another reason the tongue may be sore is due to deficiencies in the body like anemia and diabetes. Keeping the body healthy is one of the best ways to keep oral health in check as the immune system is able to focus its attention on killing off any illness within the mouth rather than fixing the body.

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