Bleeding gums are a classic sign of periodontal disease (gum disease). Gum pain, sore gums, and gums bleeding 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 hygine and a lack of dental care. Gum disease may affect children and adult patients.
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 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 to remove bacteria and debris. In extreme cases, laser dentistry or oral surgery may be necessary.
Areas We Serve
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 can often mean it can be more conservatively treated. Our family-focused dentist office treats periodontal disease in patients of all ages. We serve Northborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough and surrounding communities with compassionate, personalized dentistry.