Do your gums bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth? Don’t stop brushing your teeth. Call West Ashley Family Dentistry for a periodontal screening.
Contrary to what many believe, bleeding gums aren’t normal. Although a range of factors can lead to bleeding gums, it’s often an early indication of developing gum disease. Pregnancy, aggressive flossing and brushing, dentures that don’t fit correctly, and certain medications can also contribute to bleeding gums.
Charleston dentists Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn perform a thorough periodontal screening at routine dental care visits to look for the early signs of gum disease. Our dentists are here to help patients avoid symptoms of bleeding gums.
Why Do My Gums Bleed?
At West Ashley Family Dentistry, we take the time to discuss your personal concerns and risks to provide personalized care and advice. Your gums may be bleeding as a result of:
- Gum disease
- Tobacco use or smoking
- Pregnancy hormones
- Using a hard-bristle toothbrush
- Immune-related disorders or the use of certain medications
You want to identify why your gums bleed and get the right treatment to avoid further damage or even tooth loss. Our dental hygienists will take the time to demonstrate effective brushing techniques to maximize oral health while protecting the soft tissues of the mouth and reducing gum irritation.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is the most common cause of bleeding gums. As gum disease goes untreated, it goes through different stages. Our office will recommend the right gum disease and bleeding gums treatment for you based on your stage.
Gingivitis
This is the first stage and the only one that’s reversible. When you neglect oral healthcare, plaque builds up. When this is at the gumline, the bacteria irritate the gum tissue, causing it to redden and bleed easily when you brush and floss.
Because it’s usually painless, it’s something many people tend to ignore. However, you want to catch it early, so you can reverse the condition instead of just managing it. Typical treatment includes more diligent oral healthcare and may involve more dental visits to get the situation under control.
Mild Periodontitis
Once the condition reaches periodontitis, it can no longer be reversed; it can only be managed. At this stage, plaque hardens into tartar, making it harder to remove from your teeth. You can’t get rid of it with normal brushing.
Inflammation gets further into the supporting tissues. Your gums start to recede, and pockets form between them and the bone. Your gum pockets are filled with bacteria and debris.
A deep cleaning method called scaling and root planing manages the condition at this stage. We thoroughly clean out the gum pockets and smooth down the tooth roots so that the gum tissue can reattach to the bone. You may need to visit our office more often for repeat treatment.
Moderate Periodontitis
At this stage, bacteria further damage bone structure and connective tissues that keep teeth in place. The gum pockets deepen and allow more bacteria and debris to build up. Symptoms like bad breath and gum tenderness become more noticeable. We also recommend a deep gum cleaning at this stage to manage the condition.
Advanced Periodontitis
At this point, the infection is severe, and you may lose significant bone structure and connective tissue. Your teeth can become loose, and you may even experience tooth loss. Gums recede significantly, exposing tooth roots and making your teeth sensitive. It can begin to hurt to chew your food or speak. You may have severe bad breath, and your gums ooze pus and blood.
The only things that can manage the condition at this stage are laser dentistry or periodontal surgery. You’ll likely need gum flap surgery, bone grafts, or tissue regeneration procedures to restore your mouth function.
Bleeding Gums Treatment
After a thorough examination, one of our dentists will suggest a treatment plan for your bleeding gums. If caught early, gingivitis and bleeding gums can be treated with a thorough dental cleaning. Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will recommend improved at-home oral hygiene and using an anti-bacterial mouth rinse to help keep your oral bacteria balanced.
But if you have bleeding gums, Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn may recommend an intensive cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. During this treatment, we remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets of the gum and smooth the surface of the tooth roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common patient questions about bleeding gums in Charleston, SC.
When should patients be concerned about bleeding gums?
A variety of things can cause bleeding gums, some more concerning than others. In general, bleeding gums are caused by built-up plaque in a patient’s mouth.
If you have chronic bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with our dentist. We can assess the cause of your issue and if it’s a more serious problem than built-up plaque and bad brushing.
Can stress make your gums bleed?
Yes. Stress can affect your oral health. It can cause inflammation throughout the entire body, even in the gums and soft tissue. This can cause gums to bleed more easily.
What are bleeding gums a sign of?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of many things. The main cause of bleeding gums is plaque build-up around the gum line. If a patient is experiencing bleeding gums due to this and their oral routine is not adjusted it may develop into gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.
Women may also experience bleeding gums when undergoing hormonal changes, i.e., pregnancy or birth control. This is natural and does not always require dental treatment.
Can you treat bleeding gums without surgery?
Yes, it most cases we can treat bleeding gums without the need for dental surgery. Bleeding gums are often a precursor to gum disease. We can easily reverse bleeding gums on their own with a good oral hygiene routine and professional dental care. We only recommend oral surgery for patients with severe gum disease who are losing healthy gum tissue.
Can you permanently prevent bleeding gums?
Yes. You can prevent bleeding gums from occurring again if you:
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Stop smoking
- Take your vitamins
- Visit the dentist regularly
Do healthy gums bleed?
No, healthy gums won’t bleed unless you experience a sudden gum injury. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, contact our dentist. We’ll find the cause of bleeding gums and recommend the right treatment.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Gum disease can threaten the integrity and longevity of your natural smile. If you are experiencing bleeding gums or are concerned about the health of your gums, contact our Charleston dentist office and schedule an appointment.
West Ashley Family Dentistry welcomes new patients from many Charleston area communities to our friendly, state-of-the-art dentist office conveniently located on St. Andrews Blvd. Call us at (843) 371-5480 or request an appointment with us online. We’ll get back to you shortly.