Bleeding gums are a common problem that many people experience while brushing their teeth, flossing, or eating hard foods. While it’s easy to dismiss this as a minor inconvenience, gum bleeding can be an important signal of underlying oral health problems. Ignoring this symptom can lead to more serious conditions and even tooth loss.
Healthy gums should be firm, pink in color, and free of bleeding. Bleeding gums, on the other hand, can indicate inflammation and irritation. Plaque accumulation is a common cause of bleeding gums because it is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth.
Symptoms of bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can present with a variety of symptoms that may indicate an underlying gum problem. Recognizing these symptoms and taking action is important to avoid potential complications. Some common symptoms of bleeding gums are:
- Bleeding While Brushing Or Flossing Your Teeth: Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing your teeth may be an indication of gum inflammation. The bleeding often occurs in response to the irritation caused by plaque or tartar.
- Red or swollen gums: Inflamed gums can look red and swollen. This is a sign of inflammation and may be accompanied by tenderness or pain.
- Bad breath: Gum disease, such as gingivitis, can be accompanied by an unpleasant odor from the mouth. This is often caused by the presence of bacteria that cause inflammation.
- Receding gums: In some cases, bleeding gums can be accompanied by gum recession, making the teeth appear longer. This may indicate an advanced stage of gum disease, such as periodontitis.
It is important to note that these symptoms are not always directly related to bleeding gums. Some may also indicate other mouth problems. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a dentist if you regularly suffer from bleeding gums or experience other persistent symptoms. They can thoroughly evaluate, determine the cause, and recommend appropriate treatment to restore oral health.
Causes of bleeding gums
Dental plaque and tartar
Dental plaque is a bacterial coating that accumulates on the teeth. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth, is not removed on a regular basis by a dental hygienist, the bacteria can build up and cause gum inflammation. This can lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.
Inflamed gums can lead to serious gum disease.
It’s important to take gum disease seriously because left untreated, it can lead to more serious gum disease, such as periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect the gums and underlying bone, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.
If you find that you regularly suffer from bleeding gums, especially in combination with redness, swelling or bad breath, it is advisable to see a dental professional. They can assess the degree of inflammation and recommend appropriate treatment to reduce inflammation and keep gums healthy.
If you are experiencing bleeding gums or other oral health problems, always consult a dentist or dental hygienist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Treatment of Bleeding Gums
Improved Oral Hygiene
One of the first steps in treating bleeding gums is to improve oral hygiene. Regular and thorough brushing of the teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is essential.
Flossing and using interdental cleaners can also help remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth.
It is important to brush gently and use dental floss or toothpicks carefully so as not to further irritate the gums.
Professional Dental Cleaning
If bleeding gums persist, it is advisable to consult a dental professional. A dentist or dental hygienist can safely remove tartar using professional tooth cleaning and filling techniques, such as scraping and polishing.
This procedure, known as a dental cleaning or scaling, can help remove plaque and tartar and reduce inflammation in the gums.
Treatment of Gum Disease
In the case of gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, a dental professional may recommend additional treatments.
This can range from a deeper cleaning, known as root planing and scaling, to prescribing antibiotics or performing surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition.
Time to go to the dentist
Regular dental visits
In addition to seeking help for bleeding gums, seeing a dentist regularly is important, even if there are no specific problems. Regular dental visits, usually every six months, play a vital role in maintaining good oral health.
During these visits, the dentist can identify and treat any early signs of severe gum disease before they get worse. Other dental problems, such as cavities or abnormalities, can also be detected and addressed in time.
Prevent bleeding gums
In addition to professional cleanings and dental treatments, dentists may also recommend preventive measures to prevent bleeding gums.
This may include using antibacterial mouthwashes, practicing proper brushing and flossing, and giving dietary advice to prevent tooth decay.