Bleeding Gums
If you notice that your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth, it could be a sign that you have gum disease. It is important to diagnose and treat the issue as soon as possible to keep it from becoming more serious.
When plaque builds up on your teeth, particularly on the gum line, it can cause a condition called gingivitis. You might notice your gums swelling and bleeding, particularly when you brush or floss on a regular basis.
Left unchecked, plaque can become tartar, a hard-to-remove substance that will increase bleeding and advance your gum disease into something more serious: periodontitis.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are treatable conditions. Your dentist might talk to you about your brushing and flossing habits and techniques to combat gingivitis. Scaling, root planing, and courses of antibiotics may be necessary to address periodontitis. It’s important to diagnose them and begin your treatment plan as soon as possible to avoid long-term issues, such as infection of the jaw and other disease in the body. Multiple studies have linked gum and mouth health to conditions in other parts of your body, including heart health, lung health, brain health, and more.
There are some cases where bleeding gums can indicate other health issues, such as infections, vitamin deficiencies, or serious illnesses, so it’s important to get it checked out as soon as you begin noticing the issue. Bleeding gums could also be caused by improper brushing or flossing techniques, or by dental appliances that don’t fit well anymore. Your dentist can help identify the issue and help you move past it.
If you are experiencing discomfort and are uncertain about what bleeding gums can cause, give us a call as soon as possible. There’s no reason to continue coping with this — we can help!
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