Are you noticing pink in the sink when you brush or floss your teeth? You might wonder if this is something to be concerned about if you’re not feeling any tooth pain. The answer is – yes!

If you see pink the sink, your gums are bleeding during brushing and flossing. This is one of the first signs of gum disease, called gingivitis. It’s definitely time to contact your dentist in De Pere, WI for a checkup, and here’s why.

Early Gum Disease Can Be Successfully Managed

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and the good news is that you can often successfully manage it during this time with some improvements to your home care routine and a professional teeth cleaning with your dental hygienist. For some patients, taking these steps can even reverse their condition.

Your Green Bay dentist and hygienist can show you the proper brushing and flossing techniques needed to help you improve your daily hygiene routine. They can also recommend the right products to help you control your condition, such as an antibacterial mouth rinse.

The Consequences of Ignoring Gum Disease

Gum disease can be easy to ignore – for a while. This is because it typically doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort at first.

It can also be a tough condition to diagnose on your own, which is why it’s essential to pay attention to these signs:

• Pink in the sink (bleeding when you brush or floss)
• Gums that appear red, irritated, or swollen
• Chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or a mouth rinse

If gingivitis is left untreated or undiagnosed, it will eventually result in periodontitis or advanced gum disease. This is when you’ll notice your gums receding, tenderness when biting or chewing, and your teeth beginning to feel mobile. Gum disease is actually the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.

Dr. Chad Yenchesky and his team are well equipped to treat gum disease in Green Bay. Please call us right away at (920) 336-0340 if you’ve noticed any of the signs or symptoms we discussed earlier.