Do your gums bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth daily? Are they red, swollen or increasingly sensitive?
These can be warning signs of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. Our Bel Air dentist office offers both diagnosis and treatment for periodontal disease. The goal of treatment is to restore healthy gums and prevent further damage. We will assess the severity of your gum disease and provide personalized dental care aimed at both restoring and maintaining your gum health.
Bleeding Gums in Harford County, MD
Bleeding gums can be a cause for concern. You should not ignore it. When your gums bleed, it is often a sign of underlying oral health issues. The most common cause is gum disease, which occurs due to the buildup of plaque and tartar along the gumline. As bacteria accumulate, the gums become inflamed and can bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing.
Other factors that can contribute to bleeding gums include improper oral hygiene practices, hormonal changes during pregnancy, certain medications, and systemic conditions. It’s important to address bleeding gums promptly by maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily.
If you notice persistent bleeding gums, we recommend consulting with our office or a professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment to ensure optimal gum health.
Why Treat Bleeding Gums?
You must treat bleeding gums to prevent more complex problems. When periodontal disease advances, it will damage your teeth, gums, and the underlying bone. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can result in permanent damage.
Untreated gum disease allows the infection to eat away at the gums, exposing the tooth roots and deep pockets to form. This not only weakens the support system for healthy teeth but allows harmful bacteria to pass into the bloodstream. This will elevate your risk for systemic-related health concerns. Patients with poor periodontal health are also at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or a systemic-related disorder such as diabetes, poor gum health can affect symptoms and even make your disease difficult to manage. It is also important to note that certain types of medications prescribed to treat these and other health conditions can increase your risk of developing gum disease. Discussing your medical history and lifestyle habits is important in the maintenance of a healthy smile.
Gum Disease Treatments
We offer several treatment options that will address gum disease. These treatments will help you enjoy a lasting, healthy smile. Your treatment will depend on the stage and severity of your periodontal disease. We will tailor it to your unique needs.
- Antibacterial rinses: you will use this as part of your at-home oral hygiene routine. We may recommend antibacterial rinses for early-stage gingivitis and patients with chronic gum disease.
- Scaling and root planing: this is a thorough and intense cleaning procedure. Scaling and root planing will remove plaque built up along tooth roots and gum lines, allowing the tissue to heal.
- Oral surgery: in advanced cases, or periodontitis, we may coordinate treatment with a local specialist to ensure the best result and restore healthy gums.
To prevent your gums from bleeding, you must commit to a strict oral health routine. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth daily to remove bacteria-causing plaque from teeth and gums. Also, you should visit our office at least every six months for an exam and a professional dental cleaning. These cleanings are important because they remove plaque and tartar from difficult-to-reach places where your toothbrush cannot reach.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Do you have further questions about bleeding gums and how we treat them? Continue reading to learn more and to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums are the most common sign of gingivitis and gum disease, although there may be other causes of bleeding gums. Bleeding gums may result from aggressive flossing, tooth brushing, or using a toothbrush with too firm of bristles. Daily care is extremely important, but use caution around the sensitive gum tissue to prevent bleeding gums. Certain medications can also compromise your gum health. One thing to keep in mind is that bleeding gums are not normal.
Will pregnancy cause gums to bleed?
Yes, hormonal changes taking place in the body during pregnancy can cause bleeding gums. It is a common symptom of pregnancy. Pregnant women should continue to brush and floss but be extra cautious around sensitive gum tissue to prevent bleeding. It is important to maintain routine visits to the dentist during pregnancy to monitor gum health.
What is gum disease?
In essence, gum disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gums. It can affect one or more teeth as well as the surrounding gum tissue and supporting bone. Neglecting your dental health over time will cause gum disease.
Can vitamin deficiencies cause bleeding gums?
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly deficiencies in vitamin C and vitamin K, can contribute to bleeding gums. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy gums, while vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Incorporating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods can help prevent deficiencies and support gum health. Patients may also take oral supplements to receive all of the vitamins needed.
How can I prevent bleeding gums?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing bleeding gums. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and a gentle, and floss daily. Remember to clean along the gumline as well. Additionally, using an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce plaque and bacteria. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to detect and address any early signs of bleeding gums and gum disease.
Can certain medications cause bleeding gums?
Certain medications can increase the risk of bleeding gums. Blood thinners, such as aspirin and warfarin, can affect the blood’s clotting ability, making the gums more prone to bleeding. It is important to inform our office about any medications you are taking so we can take appropriate precautions during dental procedures.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you are searching for a dentist that treats bleeding gums near Bel Air, MD, and Fallston, MD, contact Harford County Dentistry. Call 410-994-2627 to schedule an appointment with us or request an appointment online.