Bleeding gums, or gingivitis, is an indication that gum disease has begun to develop in your mouth. Patients experiencing bleeding gums should consider this a warning sign from your gums. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Irritated, inflamed and bleeding gums are the cause of this silent disease.
At Frederick Center for Dentistry, we treat patients experiencing bleeding gums in Frederick, MD. We provide thorough dental cleanings and periodontal disease treatment options when necessary as treatment.
Why Do Gums Bleed?
The most common cause of bleeding gums is inflammation because of a buildup of plaque or tartar surrounding your gum line. Plaque and tartar contain harmful bacteria will harm your gums. Lack of proper oral hygiene will cause the bacteria to remain on your dental structures for too long.
This buildup can cause your gums to become extra sensitive. Which is why patients often notice this dental concern when they see a small amount of blood in the sink. Especially after brushing and flossing their teeth.
However, there are other things that can cause your gums to bleed. Sometimes people with even the most strict oral care routine can have gums that bleed. Other reasons your gums can bleed include:
- Brushing your teeth too hard can also lead to minor irritation to the gum tissue causing them to bleed. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush and applying a gentle pressure is the best method to clean your teeth.
- Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or puberty, can make gums more sensitive and likely to bleed.
- Vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K, can weaken the gum tissue and contribute to bleeding gums.
- Certain types of medications, such as blood thinners, will increase the chances of gum bleeding. This is why it is important to let your dentist know what medications you are taking.
- Trauma or injury to the gums can cause them to bleed. Seek medical treatment right away if the bleeding is persistent and you cannot control it.
- Certain conditions like leukemia, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders can affect the health of the gums and lead to bleeding.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums in Frederick, MD
Our experienced doctors at Frederick Center for Dentistry will provide you with treatment options for your bleeding gums. We aim to treat all dental concerns promptly so that we restore your dental health sooner rather than later. The type of treatment you will receive depends on the underlying causes of the bleeding. Common treatments for bleeding gums in Frederick include:
- Professional Dental Cleaning. Dentists or dental hygienists perform a scaling and root planing procedure to remove plaque buildup from the teeth and gums. This deep cleaning helps eliminate the source of gum irritation and promotes gum healing.
- Improved Oral Hygiene Instructions. Dentists provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure effective plaque removal without causing further gum irritation. They may recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and gentle circular motions. They may also incorporate antimicrobial mouth rinses into your oral care routine.
- Medications. Depending on the extent of gum disease, dentists may prescribe antimicrobial mouthwashes, gels, or antibiotics to control bacterial infection and reduce inflammation. Patients will use the medications in conjunction with professional dental cleaning.
- Scaling and root planing. In cases of advanced gum disease (periodontitis), where deep pockets have formed between the gums and teeth, dentists may perform a more extensive scaling and root planing procedure. This involves cleaning below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to remove bacteria and promote gum reattachment.
- Referral for Treatment of Underlying Conditions. Our dentist will refer you to the appropriate medical professional for other procedures. For example, if we discover your gums bleed because of an underlying issue not related to your dental health.
Learn more about bleeding gums by reading our frequently asked questions section. If your gums bleed often, it is important to seek help from your dentist. Call our dentist office during regular business hours if you have further questions or to book an appointment.
How can I avoid bleeding gums?
We recommend brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. However, even patients with the most thorough oral hygiene routines may still experience bleeding gums. This is why we recommend scheduling regular dental cleanings with our office. Our dental professionals can ensure we remove all buildup from your gum line to prevent progression of gum disease.
What happens if you don’t address bleeding gums?
Gum disease may develop if you do not seek treatment for your bleeding gums. Gum disease occurs when the bacteria surrounding your gum line eats away at your soft tissues. This causes gum recession and eventually tooth loss.
To help patients whose bleeding gums have progressed to gum disease, dentists offer periodontal disease treatment options. Options can include scaling and root planning to deep-clean the gums and reverse the negative effects of gum disease on your mouth.
How many days does it take for gums to stop bleeding?
If you take care of your bleeding gums, they should stop bleeding within 3 to 10 days. To aid in the healing of your gums, it’s crucial to make sure you floss and brush frequently. When gum bleed, improper oral care is commonly the cause. Increasing your oral care routine, by brushing and flossing will help aid in healing your gums, and stopping bleeding.
What vitamin deficiency causes bleeding gums?
Low levels of vitamin K may be contributing to your bleeding gums. Vitamin K promotes bone health, and helps promote healthy blood clotting. If your gums seem to be bleeding a lot, you may not be consuming enough vitamin K.
What causes gum bleeding at night?
The pressure that teeth grinding imposes on your teeth, gums, and jaw increases the likelihood that you will shatter or chip a tooth. This causes your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed as a result of the pressure applied. Patients are more likely to grind their teeth at night, which causes gum bleeding at night.
Can stress cause gum bleeding?
Stress causes more inflammation in your body, which increases the likelihood that your gums will become irritated and bleed. Additionally, too much stress impairs the effectiveness of your immune system. A weak immune system makes it more challenging for your body to fight infection. This may cause bacteria to invade gum tissue, and result in gum bleeding.
Are bleeding gums serious?
Gum bleeding is fairly common and usually not a serious condition. After flossing or cleaning one’s teeth, you may see some blood because of irritated or sensitive gums. Plaque or tartar buildup is the main cause of gum bleeding in most people.
Book an Appointment for your Bleeding Gums in Frederick, MD.
If you have gums that bleed regularly and have tried home-remedies without success, it’s time to visit a dental care professional. Contact our dentists in Fredrick, MD for bleeding gums treatment at 301-264-5680 today.