Why Are My Gums Bleeding? Bleeding gums can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common is gum disease, a progressive bacterial infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup that is not correctly removed from the teeth and gum line. When plaque is not removed, bacteria can make their way to the gums, causing irritation, swelling, and infection. Bleeding gums is one of the common dental concerns that Dr. Kevin Welinsky can treat at his Towson, MD, dental office.
Why You Should Treat Bleeding Gums
When gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and other serious complications. Gum disease is best treated during the earliest stage of development called gingivitis. During gingivitis, patients may notice bleeding gums, swelling, gum irritation, and halitosis.
For patients with advanced-stage gum disease, also known as periodontitis, they may experience symptoms such as shifting teeth, loose teeth, missing teeth, and swollen, red gums. As soon as these symptoms prevent themselves, it is important to visit our office as quickly as possible. Our team can evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and determine the best solutions for your oral health.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease can quickly develop from symptoms like bleeding gums to gum recession. The stages of gum disease include:
Gingivitis
This is the beginning stage of gum disease. It’s during this stage that you’ll usually notice bleeding gums as a symptom. This is also the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed. Typically, the dentist will recommend deep cleaning or antibacterial mouth rinses to help treat this. It’s crucial to call us immediately if you have bleeding gums. That way, we’re able to treat it in its earliest stages.
Periodontitis
Slight to moderate gum disease means the infection has spread into the bone and bloodstream. While this isn’t reversible, it can still be managed. Deposits of bacteria form pockets in your gums and you may experience some jawbone loss. Scaling and root planing are used to help manage this, cleaning out those pockets of bacteria. This helps the gums reattach to the bone.
Severe Periodontitis
At this stage, the infection has manifested into a full-blown disease. Your gum pockets may fill with pus, your teeth loosen, and it can be painful to chew. If it’s ignored at this stage, you’ll have severe consequences. Tooth loss is the main thing experienced, but it can also cause problems throughout the body.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are essential to achieving optimal oral health. To keep healthy gums, it is imperative that patients develop and routinely practice a proper oral hygiene routine. Your oral hygiene routine should consist of daily brushing and flossing to ensure bacteria, food particles, and debris are removed from the teeth, mouth, and gums.
Most dentists also recommend routine preventive care visits. During a preventive care visit, the teeth and gums are examined for any signs of gum disease. Patients will also receive a professional dental cleaning, which helps remove plaque that daily brushing and flossing cannot reach.
Treating Bleeding Gums in Towson, MD
The type of treatment a patient receives will depend on the stage of progression of gum disease, the extent of damage, and the condition of the patient’s dental health. After a thorough evaluation, our team will determine which periodontal therapy treatment is right for you. Depending on your needs, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments for gum disease:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure. During scaling, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and below the gum line. Then, during root planing, they smooth out the roots of your teeth to help your gums heal and reattach better. This treatment helps reduce gum inflammation and infection.
- Antibacterial Rinse: Sometimes, we may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight bacteria in your mouth. This rinse can reduce plaque and help keep your gums healthy. Using an antibacterial rinse regularly can be an important part of your daily dental care routine, especially if you have gum disease.
- Gum Surgery: In more serious cases of gum disease, surgery may be needed. Gum surgery can help restore your gums and improve your overall oral health. There are different types of gum surgery, but they all aim to remove infected tissue, reduce gum pockets, and make it easier to keep your gums clean.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Learn more about bleeding gums in Towson, MD with answers to these common questions:
When should I be worried about bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums can happen to anyone from occasionally brushing too hard. But if it becomes something more regular, that’s when you need to worry. If your gums are bleeding from brushing multiple times a week, or they’re bleeding even without brushing, it’s time to see your dentist.
What can I do at home to help bleeding gums?
The first step to avoiding bleeding gums is to ensure you’re keeping up with your oral health routine. Good oral healthcare is the best way to prevent gum disease. Antibacterial mouthwash and warm salt water rinses can also help to keep bleeding at a minimum. Salt has disinfecting properties and can help ease swelling.
What makes my bleeding gums worse?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, and certain things can make the problem worse. Here are some common factors that can increase bleeding gums:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Remember to brush and floss twice a day.
- Smoking: Smoking can harm your gums by reducing blood flow. This means your gums don’t get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Smoking makes it easier for infections to develop and for your gums to bleed.
- Drinking Alcohol: Alcohol can dry out your mouth, reducing saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria. When your mouth is dry, it can lead to more plaque buildup, irritating your gums and causing them to bleed.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, like blood thinners, can increase bleeding in your gums. If you notice your gums bleeding more since starting a new medication, talk to your doctor. Changing medications or a better routine can help keep bleeding gums in check.
Treat Your Gum Health
Sweet Tooth Dentistry treats bleeding gums in Towson, MD. Call 410-449-7656 or request an appointment with us online. We’re here to help.