Bleeding gums are typically a sign of a larger problem. It is most patients’ first sign of gingivitis or mild gum disease. If your gums bleed, you should not ignore the problem. If you have the beginning stages of gum disease, you must seek treatment from a dentist. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is a caring dentist who treats bleeding gums in Owens Cross Roads, AL. Bleeding gums are one of the dental concerns Dr. Duling treats at her Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, office.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
The leading cause of bleeding gums is plaque buildup on the teeth along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. It is filled with germs, bacteria, and acid. If you fail to remove it daily from your teeth, it harms your teeth and gums. Plaque will irritate your gums and lead to inflammation. This causes them to bleed, most likely when you brush or floss. Furthermore, if you leave gum disease untreated, it can eventually cause serious harm to your oral health.
There are other reasons your gums could be bleeding. Pregnancy or hormone changes and certain medications can lead to these side effects. If you are experiencing this, do not stop caring for your teeth and gums. Continue to brush and floss as normal, but take caution. Ask your dentist for advice if your gums begin to bleed excessively.
In addition, certain lifestyle habits can cause your gums to bleed. This includes flossing and brushing too hard or with a toothbrush that is not soft enough, wearing dentures that do not fit, and using tobacco in any form. Avoiding these things can keep your gums healthy and protect them from bleeding.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums in Owens Cross Roads, AL
Treating bleeding gums early is essential so they don’t progress to more serious issues. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Anti-Bacterial Rinse
If your bleeding gums were caught early, you may only need a good tooth cleaning and an anti-bacterial rinse. Your dentist will suggest improving your oral hygiene routine and give you a schedule to follow. Adding the rinse into your routine will help keep your oral bacteria in check.
Scaling and Root Planing
You may need deep teeth cleaning if you have a more progressed form of gum disease. This type of cleaning is called scaling and root planing. Essentially, the dentist will use special tools to remove all the plaque from your teeth, especially below the gums. Then, they will smooth out the tooth roots to encourage the gums to reattach the teeth.
Advanced Gum Procedures
If you suffer from advanced gum disease, your dentist will need to refer you to a periodontist. This local specialist must perform more intensive procedures to help you regain your oral health.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses through various stages. Knowing the signs of each one is essential, as getting treatment earlier can help prevent more serious issues in the future.
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of gum disease and the only reversible one. At this stage, the most prominent symptom is bleeding gums.
Harmful bacteria build up in the mouth when you’re not properly caring for your oral hygiene. They form plaque and tartar at the gumline, irritating the gum tissue and causing inflammation. Your gums begin to get red and swollen due to the irritation. Symptoms of gingivitis aren’t usually painful, so they can easily be missed.
To treat gingivitis, we perform a more advanced oral healthcare protocol. You’ll need to visit the office more often for checkups and cleanings. Brushing and flossing regularly at home is also essential. We may provide you with an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help diminish the bacteria in your mouth. These measures can fully reverse the condition.
Mild Periodontal Disease
At this stage, gum disease is no longer reversible, but we can manage it. The bacteria become more aggressive and start to attack your jawbone. Slowly, the bacteria will eat away at the jawbone and cause bone loss. We manage this stage using methods called scaling and root planing. Pockets form between the gum tissue and jawbone, where bacteria and food debris accumulate. We clean out these pockets and smooth down the tooth roots so the gum tissue can reattach to your jawbone.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
Here, the bacteria continue to get more aggressive and probe farther into your body. In addition to attacking gum tissue and jawbone, they enter your bloodstream. This can cause inflammation and infection throughout other parts of your body. As with mild gum disease, we use scaling and root planing to manage the condition.
Severe Periodontal Disease
This is the most advanced gum disease stage and has many impacts. Your gums start to ooze pus and blood, you have severe bad breath that can’t be managed, and it can hurt to eat and speak. Bacteria continue to attack your gums, so your teeth can become loose or fall out. Only gum surgery or laser gum therapy can manage the condition. We can refer you to a trusted local peridontist for your care.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Bleeding gums aren’t a problem that you should ignore. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
What happens if I don’t treat bleeding gums?
Leaving bleeding gums untreated is a very big mistake. The longer you go without treatment, the more detrimental the condition. Your gums recede, and pockets of bacteria form between bone and gum tissue. Your teeth start to loosen and can even fall out. Once gum disease gets to a very serious stage, only certain treatment options can manage it successfully.
Do bleeding gums grow back?
No, gum tissue doesn’t grow back if it’s damaged. You should be proactive and immediately alert us to bleeding gums. Though the tissue doesn’t grow back, grafts and other treatment options can help manage the issue. However, it’s always better to have the original gum tissue.
Can drinking water help bleeding gums?
Dehydration can make your gum tissue more fragile, weakening and causing it to bleed more often. Drinking enough water is one of the most important things you can do for oral health. Not only does it help with bleeding gums, but you’re also less likely to get cavities or infections. Water washes away bacteria and food particles while neutralizing acids in your mouth.
Should I keep brushing if my gums are bleeding?
Yes. While it may seem contradictory, you must continue your oral healthcare routine. You should focus your brushing on the areas where the gums are bleeding the most. That’s where the problem is. Focusing your brushing there can eliminate more bacteria that have built up in the area.
What vitamin deficiency can cause bleeding gums?
One of the most important vitamins for your gum tissue is Vitamin C. A serious Vitamin C deficiency is called scurvy, which most people know as something that pirates get. Vitamin C reduces inflammation.
Can I have bleeding gums if I brush too hard?
Yes, brushing too hard can cause your gums to bleed. Using too much pressure or a toothbrush with hard bristles can irritate and damage your gums, making them more likely to bleed. To avoid this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in small, circular motions. This will clean your teeth without hurting your gums.
If your gums keep bleeding, even with gentle brushing, visit Dr. Duling. She will check for other possible causes.
How does my diet affect my gum health?
Your diet plays an essential role in keeping your gums healthy. Eating foods that are high in sugar or starch, like candy, soda, and chips, can lead to plaque buildup on your teeth. This plaque can irritate your gums and cause problems like gum disease.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help keep your gums strong. You can also benefit from foods rich in vitamins C and D, like oranges, strawberries, and fish. They help reduce inflammation and support healing.
Are bleeding gums common during pregnancy?
Yes, bleeding gums are common during pregnancy. Many pregnant women experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis, which causes their gums to become red, swollen, and more likely to bleed, especially when brushing or flossing. This happens because hormonal changes during pregnancy make gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria.
To keep your gums healthy, make sure to brush and floss every day and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. If your gums bleed a lot or you have other concerns, let your dentist know. They can give you tips to protect your oral health while you’re pregnant.
Treat Your Gum Health
Bleeding gums are not normal and should be addressed as soon as possible. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is a general dentist who offers many treatments for bleeding gums. To schedule your regular checkup or an appointment for her to address your bleeding gums, call our office today at 256.202.4186. You can also request an appointment online by filling out this appointment request form.