Bleeding gums may be a sign you are brushing or flossing too hard. But did you know it could also be a symptom of gum disease? Nearly 80% of American adults will experience gum disease at some point. If diagnosed early, we can treat gum disease, and you can avoid increased oral health problems. Bleeding gums are a common dental concern that we treat in our Annapolis, MD, dental office.
Stop Bleeding Gums When Brushing and Flossing
Sometimes, you may have bleeding gums because you brush too hard or improperly. When brushing, use a soft-bristled brush. Avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients. If you have a manual toothbrush, brush in circular motions. An electric toothbrush will brush in circular motions for you. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
Before brushing, floss between each tooth. Use the best floss for your teeth; you will need wider floss if you have larger gaps between teeth. Thin floss is best to reach smaller gaps between teeth. Flossing each tooth before brushing will help remove debris and bacteria contributing to bleeding gums.
Sometimes, a good oral hygiene routine is enough to reduce bleeding gums. However, if your gums continue to bleed or you also experience chronic gum pain and inflammation, contact our office.
About Bleeding Gums in Annapolis, MD
Many people with bleeding gums do not seek help. However, in most cases, bleeding gums are a part of the beginning stages of gum disease. When gum disease goes untreated, you may develop advanced complex oral health and medical conditions.
If you have frequent bleeding gums, even after trying a softer toothbrush or gentler brushing, you could suffer from gingivitis. The beginning signs of gum disease are usually painless. Those at risk are typically unaware until the disease has begun to advance.
Pregnant women can also experience bleeding gums due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Changes in the hormone progesterone can make gums more sensitive and increase the risk of bleeding gums. It is safe for pregnant women to visit the dentist for routine cleanings. If you are pregnant and notice problems like bleeding or painful gums, contact us for a cleaning. Treating bleeding gums will prevent inflammation in the body.
Gum disease remains a leading cause of tooth loss in adults today. Routine dental care is an integral part of the long-term maintenance of your smile. We want you to maintain regular dentist visits and be sensitive while brushing around sore gums.
Why Do I Have Gum Disease?
Many people associate gum disease with poor oral health. However, other factors contribute to gum disease besides poor oral hygiene. Smoking, a poor diet, high-stress levels, and even genetics can all contribute to the development of gum disease.
Some of these risk factors are out of our control. Even if you maintain your oral hygiene routine, visit our dentist in Annapolis, MD, for yearly gum disease screenings.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums in Annapolis, MD
A dentist should always handle the treatment of bleeding gums. Although it may be tempting to try over-the-counter medicines, gum disease is a severe issue that a professional should treat.
Gingivitis
Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, is the early stage of gum disease. It can cause discomfort, redness, and swelling of the gums. Gingivitis is a bacteria infection of plaque buildup on gums and teeth.
If you have gingivitis, Dr. Sheen will remove plaque or buildup from the gums and teeth. We can also prescribe other special mouthwashes or topical treatments.
If your gums are bleeding regularly, Annapolis dentist Dr. Sheen highly encourages scheduling a dentist office visit as soon as possible. When your dentist diagnoses it early, he can treat gum disease, and you can avoid long-term damage.
What is Periodontitis?
When left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is an advanced dental health concern. More advanced stages of gum infection occur when a bacterial infection affects the ligaments and bones that support your teeth.
Gum disease can:
- Cause Gums To Recede
- Deteriorate Bone Structure
- Loosen Teeth
- Cause Teeth To Shift
- Lead to Tooth Loss
Advanced gum disease is also linked to an increase in:
- Heart Attacks
- Strokes
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Low Birth Weights
Gum disease is linked to these problems due to inflammation. When harmful bacteria damage the gums, it leads to gum inflammation and irritation. In severe cases, inflammation can travel through the bloodstream. This is why patients who develop gum disease and already have heart problems are at risk of more complex heart issues.
Gum disease is also risky for pregnant women. We encourage pregnant patients to visit to reverse symptoms like bleeding gums.
Undiagnosed and untreated gum disease can lead to more complex and expensive restorative dental treatments. It can also cause deterioration in your overall health. You should never ignore bleeding gums, as seemingly minor symptoms can worsen quickly.
Treatment for advanced periodontal disease includes removing the infected gum tissue, scaling the gums, and antibiotics. Gum grafting or gum surgery can remove infected gum tissue from the mouth. Lasers can remove infected tissue beneath the gum line. We may also refer you to an oral surgeon if you have severe gum problems that require surgery.
Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning treatments. They remove plaque and tartar from the gums and tooth roots. We remove hardened bacterial buildup on and underneath the gums during a scaling treatment. Then, we remove bacterial buildup from the tooth roots during root planing.
After scaling and root planing treatment, we can place antibiotics in the gum pockets. Antibiotics help fight harmful bacteria and prevent reinfection. If you have chronic gum problems, we recommend this cleaning every few months.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Learn more about bleeding gums in our Annapolis, MD, dental office:
Can bleeding gums heal on their own?
Bleeding gums can go away only if they bleed from brushing too hard. But if you have gingivitis and do not brush and floss thoroughly, your gum problems can worsen. If you notice your gums bleeding, ensure you brush and floss gently. Brush and floss twice a day. Contact our office if your gums continue to bleed.
When are bleeding gums a dental emergency?
Gum inflammation and bleeding when you brush and floss are not an emergency. However, you can call our office for gum treatment. But if you have bleeding gums because of a fall, accident, or injury to your mouth, you should seek dental care right away. You should also get emergency care if your gums continue to bleed after a dental treatment.
Why are my gums bleeding when I’m pregnant?
Bleeding gums during pregnancy is common and is usually caused by hormonal changes. During pregnancy, increased levels of hormones like progesterone can make your gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation, a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. This can cause your gums to bleed when you brush or floss.
Can flossing reverse bleeding gums?
Flossing can help reduce and prevent bleeding gums, but it may not reverse the problem right away. Flossing regularly helps remove this plaque and can improve gum health over time to stop the bleeding and reduce inflammation. However, if your gums are severely inflamed or the bleeding continues, contact our office.
What is the link between diabetes and bleeding gums?
Diabetes can increase the risk of bleeding gums because it affects the body’s ability to fight infections. People with diabetes may have higher blood sugar levels, which can make the gums more prone to inflammation and infection. This can lead to gum disease, causing symptoms like bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Also, high blood sugar can make it harder for the body to heal, which means gum disease can get worse more quickly.
Can I treat bleeding gums at home?
Yes, you can treat bleeding gums at home:
- Brush and Floss Gently
- Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
- Eat a Balanced Diet
- Stay Hydrated
- Avoid Smoking
If your gums continue to bleed, contact our office for gum disease treatment.
Can my gums bleed because of a vitamin deficiency?
Yes, bleeding gums can sometimes be caused by a vitamin deficiency. A lack of Vitamin C, K, and D can contribute to gum problems. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods to help reduce the risk of vitamin deficiency.
How much does it cost to treat bleeding gums?
The cost of bleeding gum treatment depends on the treatment type. Brushing and flossing twice a year is the cheapest option. If you need a routine dental cleaning, dental insurance can cover most or all the cost.
Deep gum cleanings like scaling and root planing will cost more than a routine cleaning. If you have gum disease, you may need these cleanings more often than twice a year.
Gum surgery is the most expensive treatment for bleeding gums. However, we will only recommend surgery if you have advanced gum disease.
Treat Bleeding Gums in Annapolis, MD
It is vital to catch gum disease at its beginning stages. If you are experiencing sore or bleeding gums, contact Annapolis-based dentist Dr. Vernon Sheen to schedule a dental appointment. You can also call today at (443) 482-5202.
Please get in touch with our office if you have questions about your bleeding gums. We will examine your smile and recommend the best treatment for painful, bleeding gums.