What To Do When You Have Bleeding Gums

Occasional bleeding from the gums may occur as a result of overly enthusiastic brushing. If your gums bleed on a regular basis, it’s critical to find out why and seek treatment. The dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design explain why prompt dental attention is necessary when your gums start to bleed.

Bleeding Gums

Good oral hygiene can prevent many cases of bleeding gums. That means brushing your teeth after every meal and daily flossing. Not doing so leads to bacterial plaque building up on teeth. Tartar eventually forms from the hardened plaque. The bacteria leads to gum disease.

Always use a soft toothbrush if your gums bleed. Some people may find that just switching from a harder toothbrush to a softer one solves the problem.

Pregnant women may find their gums bleeding because of hormonal changes. The problem should resolve after giving birth.

Prompt Treatment is Critical

Bleeding gums are a common sign of gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is reversible when caught and treated early. That’s not the case when gum disease progresses beyond this initial stage.

Periodontitis, a severe gum infection, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, along with following a strict dental hygiene regimen, can literally save your teeth.

Bleeding Gum Causes

Although gingivitis is among the most common causes of bleeding gums, there are other factors or conditions resulting in gum bleeding.

Patients lacking sufficient amounts of vitamin C and K in the diet may suffer from bleeding gums.

Bleeding gums may indicate the presence of a serious disease, such as leukemia or a clotting deficiency.

Smoking can affect gum health as it does so many other parts of the body. Smoking has a negative impact on the immune system. A person with a compromised immune system has a more difficult time fighting off the bacteria from plaque.

Those wearing dentures or other oral devices may find their gums bleeding due to a less-than-optimal fit. The dentist can make adjustments so that denture or oral appliance fit improves.

Bleeding Gums Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent bleeding gums, and stop gum issues in their tracks, is by visiting the dentist twice yearly for a professional dental cleaning and examination. At each appointment, the dentist measures the pockets surrounding the teeth using a tiny probe. If the pockets deepen, that is a sign of gingivitis.

The dentist may recommend specific rinses to help combat gum disease.

Contact La Jolla Family Smile Design

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, contact the dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design. To schedule a consultation to start this discussion and answer any questions, please call (858) 454-3044.