Bleeding gums are a classic sign of periodontal disease or gum disease. Sore, bleeding, and painful gums may also be present in patients who have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.
Gum disease is a progressive disease commonly caused by poor oral hygiene and a lack of dental care in children and adults.
Dr. Robert Gauthier and his team at Apex Dental offer periodontal treatments to treat gum disease, no matter the stage or severity.
Call Apex Dental to receive high-quality treatment for sore and bleeding gums as well as other dental concerns in Northborough, MA, today.
Why Do My Gums Bleed?
It is not normal for gums to bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. There are a number of reasons why gums bleed. In some cases, it may be a result of aggressive flossing or tooth brushing.
Other times, using a toothbrush with bristles that are too firm can be to blame. While it is important to brush and floss daily, you should be careful not to abrade or cut the sensitive gum tissue and cause bleeding.
If gums bleed on a routine basis, it may be an indication of the presence of gum disease-causing bacteria. Bacteria can cause the gums to become inflamed and sensitive. Over time the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and can cause bleeding.
Bleeding gums are common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes taking place in the body. Pregnancy gingivitis is common, and can typically be controlled with continued at-home oral hygiene.
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.
Bleeding Gums Treatment
Treatment for bleeding gums should always be handled by a dentist. Never attempt to self-treat bleeding gums or use over-the-counter medications without the advisement of a dental professional. Depending on your condition, there are a number of treatment options for bleeding gums.
Gingivitis – Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums. It is common for people with gingivitis to experience bleeding gums when brushing their teeth or flossing. For gingivitis treatment, the plaque is removed from exposed parts of the teeth and gums. Antibacterial rinses and other aids may be recommended to reduce inflammation and cure gingivitis.
Periodontitis – If you have periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, the dentist may need to provide more intensive treatment. Scaling and root planing are procedures that clean the deep pockets of the gums. Using special tools, Dr. Gauthier will scrape away plaque and tartar build-up, which will remove bacteria from the deep gum pockets where it forms.
Removing the bacteria from the pockets in the early stages of development can help prevent gum recession and tooth loss. In extreme cases, laser dentistry or oral surgery may be necessary.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
You should never ignore bleeding gums, which may indicate severe oral health concerns. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
When should I be concerned about bleeding gums?
Every once in a while, brushing too hard or your hand slipping during flossing can cause your gums to bleed. However, it’s important to notice how often they’re bleeding. Call our office if it’s becoming a regular thing and you notice it is happening often. Regular bleeding gums indicate that you’re developing gum disease, which worsens over time.
Should I keep brushing my teeth if my gums are bleeding?
Yes. Though bleeding can make you panic, avoiding brushing your teeth worsens the problem. Gum disease is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup at the gumline. You want to continue brushing your teeth regularly to eliminate any further buildup and help remove plaque already on your teeth.
Does gum disease go away?
Gum disease is only reversible if it’s caught and treated promptly. It will not go away without proper treatment and diligent oral healthcare. Gingivitis is the earliest stage and the only one that’s reversible. Many adults have it and don’t realize it because the symptoms aren’t painful. This is why getting to the dentist is important if your gums are bleeding frequently. Once the bacteria become more aggressive, they start destroying bone structure, and the condition can only be managed.
Do bleeding gums grow back?
No, once gum tissue is gone, it’ll rarely grow back. The best way to prevent receding gums is to prevent them from happening in the first place with diligent oral healthcare and preventative measures. If your gum disease advances, you may need gum grafts to cover areas where the gums have receded too far.
Can I treat bleeding gums at home?
While you must tell your dentist about regular gum bleeding, a few things at home can help your situation. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water daily to stop the bleeding and wash bacteria away from the area. A cold compress can help alleviate these symptoms if your gums are tender or painful.
Can dehydration cause bleeding gums?
Yes, hydration is essential for your oral health. Dehydration weakens the gums and makes them more likely to bleed upon contact. Drinking enough water is also important for saliva production. Saliva washes away bacteria and food particles that make you more susceptible to gum disease. Continuous dehydration causes dry mouth, irritating your gums further.
Request a Dental Consultation Today
Routine dental health exams can help prevent the spread and progression of gum disease. Our Apex Dental dentists visually screen for gum disease at every scheduled checkup. Catching gum disease in the earliest stages often means it can be more conservatively treated.
We serve Northborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough, and surrounding communities with compassionate, personalized dentistry. Call (508) 506-1691 or schedule a dental consultation online today.