Do your gums bleed when performing daily oral hygiene such as tooth brushing or flossing?
Don’t stop brushing your teeth – call West Ashley Family Dentistry for a periodontal screening.
Contrary to what many believe, bleeding gums are not normal. Although there is a range of factors that can lead to bleeding gums, many times it is the early indication of developing gum disease. It can also be caused for other reasons such as pregnancy, aggressive flossing and brushing, dentures that do not fit correctly, and certain medications.
Charleston dentists Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn perform a thorough periodontal screening during routine dental care visits to look for the early signs of gum disease and help patients avoid symptoms such as bleeding gums.
Periodontal disease is typically caused by plaque build-up on the teeth. This build-up happens when patients do not take proper care of their teeth. It is important to brush and floss daily to remove plaque. If it is not removed, plaque will harden into tartar. The plaque and tartar will cause your gums to bleed if not removed. Maintaining healthy gums is important for both dental health and overall health and well-being.
At West Ashley Family Dentistry we take the time to discuss your personal concerns and risks in order to provide personalized care and advice. Your gums may be bleeding as a result of:
- Tobacco use or smoking
- Pregnancy hormones
- Using a hard bristled tooth brush
- Immune related disorders or the use of certain medications
It is important to promptly identify why your gums bleed and address them appropriately 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.
Bleeding Gums Treatment
After a thorough examination, one of our dentists will suggest a treatment plan for your bleeding gums. This may include:
Anti-Bacterial Rinse – 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.
Scaling & Root Planning – 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 will remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets of the gum and smooth the surface of tooth roots.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
When should patients be concerned about bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums can be caused by a variety of things, some more concerning the others. In general, bleeding gums are caused by built-up plaque in a patient’s mouth.
If you are experiencing repeated bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can assess what the cause of your issue is, and if it is a more serious problem than built-up plaque and bad brushing.
Can stress make your gums bleed?
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 proffesional 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 will not bleed unless you experience a sudden gum injury. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, contact your dentist.
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. To schedule an appointment, call us at (843) 371-5480 or request one online. We will get back to you shortly.