If you have noticed your gums bleeding when you brush or floss, it’s important that you don’t ignore the issue.
Bleeding gums are a fairly common oral issue, and are most often a sign of gum disease. Fortunately, if gum disease is identified early enough, it can be managed. But, if the condition goes untreated for too long, it can develop into a more severe form of the disease and lead to some serious health problems.
How to cure bleeding gums
If you suffer from bleeding gums, the best option is to come in and see us as soon as possible. When your dentist examines your teeth, they will be able to identify the early stages of gum disease and let you know how you can manage the condition and prevent it from worsening over time.
Gum disease and bleeding gums can often be treated with improved oral hygiene, and your dentist will explain how to practise proper brushing and flossing techniques. We recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day and that you floss at least once daily in order to get rid of plaque between your teeth and on the gum line. We also encourage you to come in and see us every six months so that we can check for signs of gum disease and perform a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar that may have built up on the surface of your teeth.
In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotic medications to treat gum disease, which may come in the form of tablets or mouthwash.
What is gum disease?
A mild form of gum disease is known as gingivitis and occurs when there is a build-up of plaque along the gum line. If this plaque is not removed, bacteria within it can cause inflammation in the soft tissue of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when the gums become infected and can cause some serious damage to the teeth and underlying bone as well.
In most cases, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene, particularly when plaque is allowed to build upon the teeth and gums. When plaque is not removed, it turns to tartar, which promotes more bacterial growth in the mouth. This bacterial growth causes inflammation in the gums, can damage the teeth and bones, and affect your overall health.
What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
Bleeding gums when you brush or floss is one of the first signs that your gums may be inflamed and that you may have the early form of gum disease, gingivitis. Plaque build-up may also be a symptom of gingivitis and can cause your teeth to become discoloured over time.
If gingivitis develops into early periodontal disease, you may notice more bleeding around the teeth, as well as gum recession and some pain in the gums or teeth. In its more advanced stages, the teeth may start to feel loose, you may suffer from bad breath, and you are likely to experience pain when chewing and biting.
If you are suffering from bleeding gums, we encourage you to make an appointment to see us. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange a consultation. Your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to remove any plaque and tartar before polishing your teeth. Once your teeth have been cleaned and polished, your oral health can be properly assessed and any issues like swollen gums, redness or tenderness can be identified. Your dentist will then be able to advise you on the next steps and prescribe any treatments if necessary.
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