Bleeding gums are typically a sign of a larger problem. In most patients, it is the first sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. If your gums bleed, you should not ignore the problem. If you do have the beginning stages of gum disease, you must seek treatment from a dentist. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is a caring dentist that provides treatment for 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 the buildup of plaque 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, then it begins to do harm to your teeth and gums. Plaque will irritate your gums and lead to inflammation. This is what 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 taking certain kinds of 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.
Additionally, 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
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
If you have a more progressed form of gum disease, you may need a deep tooth cleaning. 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 the advanced stage of gum disease, your dentist will need to refer you to a periodontist. This local specialist will need to perform more intensive procedures to help you regain your oral health.
Bleeding gums are not normal and should be addressed as soon as possible. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is a general dentist that offers many treatments for gums that bleed. 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 about this appointment request form.