While brushing your teeth you notice that there are a few spots of blood. First, don’t panic, while it is not a great situation if you have bleeding gums, you are not alone. About 47% of adults over the age of 30 will have to deal with some form of periodontal disease.
However, bleeding gums are not normal, it is a sign that something is not quite right. At Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro NC, we are committed to helping people improve their oral health. Let’s look a little closer at exactly what it means when you have bleeding gums, and what we can do to make it stop.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
If your gums bleed while brushing your teeth it can be the early signs of gum disease. Gum health is vital to overall good oral health, it is vital that you see your dentist. There are several reasons why healthy gums can become unhealthy gums including:
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Improper flossing and brushing
- Vitamin K deficiency
- Infection
- Dry mouth from medications can be a contributor
Everything from tooth decay to not enough salvia can put your gum health at risk. Making sure that you are getting fillings when you need them to stop the spread of cavities, and talking to your doctor about prescription strength mouth rinses to help keep salvia production flowing can help.
Your dentist and dental hygienist at Friendly Dentistry are the experts that can help you figure out what causes bleeding gums in your case, and come up with a treatment plan to put an end to it. If you are taking blood thinners, let your dentist know.
Treatment Options for Bleeding Gums
The right treatment for bleeding gums highly depends on the severity of the situation. For example, inflammation (swollen gums), receding gums, and swollen gums, will need some expert care. Scaling and root planning, and other professional treatment can help to treat gum disease.
Gum disease in its early stages (you notice a few dots of blood on your toothbrush), and sore gums, will need intervention like a regular dental cleaning, and upping your dental hygiene at home. Your hygienist can help you get things under control quickly in the early stages of gum disease.
Regular dental cleanings to help remove tartar and plaque build up at the gum line is strongly suggested. Partnering with your dental care team at Friendly Dentistry and doing your part at home is the best oral health disease treatment.
What Should I Do At Home To Treat My Bleeding Gums?
Good oral hygiene is an absolute must. You should be brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush at least twice a day. You should also floss twice a day. A good quality mouthwash that contains fluoride should also be used. Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, it can make the problem worse.
Healthy gums take work. Ideally you should brush, floss, and rinse your mouth after every meal you eat, but minimally follow the routine twice a day. If you are not sure if you are brushing the right way or have questions about flossing techniques, contact your dental hygienist. At Friendly Dentistry our hygienists are always happy to help.
Why Is It Important to Get Bleeding Gums Under Control?
Gum problems can quickly get out of hand without early intervention. You can go from tender gums to bone loss rather quickly. Gingivitis causes bad breath, inflamed gums, tender gums, and discomfort. As the problem progresses, gums will recede, you may experience loose teeth, and other problems.
In the latter stages, severe gum disease is a risk. Left untreated, bacterial infection can develop and wreak havoc in your mouth. Periodontitis can set in, which can cause bone loss. As the harmful bacteria becomes more prevalent you may experience pus that oozes from your gums. Things can get bad quickly, but you can avoid the latter stages of gum disease.
You deserve healthy teeth and gums. With the help of your dental professional at Friendly Dentistry you can get the problem under control. Getting to the dentist as soon as you notice the symptoms of gum disease can make the biggest difference. Make your appointment today.