Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
You may notice your gums bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth. Be aware that this may be a sign of gum disease. The most common indication that a patient has developed gum disease is bleeding gums.
Gum disease is commonly underdiagnosed until bacteria begin spreading throughout the mouth. These bacteria cause visible damage to the soft tissues of the mouth. Many patients may begin to experience changes in the fit of the bite. Bleeding gums are a dental concern that Dr. Heather Adams treats in her Rogers, AR, dental office. She needs to examine your smile if you have bleeding gums to ensure that you do not develop gum disease.
Inflamed and sensitive, the infected gum tissue is prone to bleeding when agitated with a toothbrush or floss. If you notice that your gums are bleeding, be sure to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Bleeding Gums and the Oral Body Connection
Gum disease is a highly common problem that affects nearly 70% of adult patients. If left untreated, this serious condition can take a toll on the health of your entire body.
Harmful bacteria cause gum disease. As these bacteria multiply, they spread. They create deep pockets in the gums, leading to gum recession and tooth loss. Eventually, bacteria spread to the bloodstream. There, they begin to impact the health of your other bodily systems.
Patients with advanced gum disease stages have a higher risk of developing systemic diseases. These diseases have the potential to be life-threatening.
Periodontal Disease Increases Your Risk of:
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Facial sagging
- Gum recession
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Heart attack & strokes
Please get in touch with our office if you have any signs of bleeding gums. It’s important to treat bleeding gums before gum inflammation worsens. Gum disease can worsen your dental health if you already have a medical condition. Inflammation from gum disease can affect the heart, which is why heart problems and gum disease are so connected.
Gum Disease Prevention
Dr. Adams provides comprehensive periodontal therapy treatment plans for patients with varying stages of gum disease. Periodontal therapy addresses the underlying bacterial infection. This treatment restores the damage caused by the spread of the disease. From dental cleanings to gum contouring and dental implants, our Rogers, AR dentist office can help restore optimal oral health.
Gum disease is commonly caused by poor oral hygiene. You can develop gum disease if you do not frequently visit the dentist for routine dental health exams. Preventative dentistry is the best option for reducing your risk of gum disease. Biannual dental cleanings and oral health checkups with Dr. Adams can prevent the spread of disease-causing oral bacteria.
Dr. Adams can offer personalized tips for improving home oral hygiene. She can also make custom recommendations for the best products for keeping your smile clean and healthy.
Treating Bleeding Gums in Rogers, AR
Dr. Adams may use various methods to clean the infection from the teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing are two treatments used together to fight gum disease. A dental scaling removes the infection from the teeth and gums for a deep clean. Root planing smooths down the tooth roots for them to reattach to teeth.
Gum contouring is a method of removing infected gum tissue. This method may also restore receded gum tissue. Patients with gum disease benefit from gum contouring to restore healthy gums and renew support to their natural teeth. Bone grafting is another gum disease treatment that replaces lost bone and tissue to support the teeth.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Discover more about bleeding gums in Rogers, AR, with answers to these common patient questions:
Is it normal for gums to bleed while flossing?
Flossing should be a normal part of your everyday oral hygiene routine. However, many people skip over this vital step that removes particles stuck between your teeth. This may cause your gums to become a little sore or inflamed; when you do floss, you may bleed slightly.
If you are just beginning to floss, it may take a little time for your soft tissues to adjust and heal. However, if you continue to bleed every time you floss, then you may need gingivitis treatment.
Does smoking cause bleeding gums?
Using tobacco will increase your risk of developing gum disease. However, smoking can also mask the early signs of gum disease. Smoking restricts the blood flow to the gums.
If gum disease is developing, smoking will prevent your gums from bleeding, which is the first sign of gingivitis. You may not seek the necessary treatment since you will not experience bleeding gums when you brush and floss.
Are bleeding gums linked to diabetes?
Yes, bleeding gums can be linked to diabetes. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease because high blood sugar can affect the blood vessels and immune system. Diabetes can make it harder for the body to fight infections, including those in the gums.
How long does it take to heal bleeding gums?
If you only experience bleeding gums without any other symptoms, you can heal your gums in one to two weeks. To heal your bleeding gums, floss and brush your teeth. Your gums may continue to bleed, but flossing will help remove bacterial buildup between your teeth. Eventually, your gums will no longer bleed when you brush and floss.
If your gums continue to bleed, contact our office. You may need thorough gum disease treatment.
What is the most effective way to prevent bleeding gums?
The best way to battle bleeding gums and prevent them from happening is to take your oral health seriously. Practice good oral hygiene and floss between each tooth before you brush your teeth. Visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and examination.
Between visits, you should brush twice and floss at least once daily. You should also avoid tobacco and eat a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals.
Can bleeding gums go away on their own?
Bleeding gums might go away on their own if they are caused by something minor, like brushing too hard or not flossing regularly. However, if your gums are bleeding because of gingivitis or gum disease, the bleeding is less likely to stop without treatment.
Are bleeding gums related to my diet?
Yes, your diet can affect the health of your gums and contribute to bleeding. A diet that’s low in important nutrients, like vitamin C, can make your gums more prone to bleeding. Vitamin C helps keep your gums healthy, so if you don’t get enough, it can lead to gum problems like bleeding.
Eating a lot of sugary or acidic foods can also increase plaque buildup on your teeth, which can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.
Why do I have bleeding gums during pregnancy?
Bleeding gums during pregnancy are common and are usually caused by hormonal changes in your body. During pregnancy, your hormone levels increase, which can make your gums more sensitive and prone to irritation. This condition is called pregnancy gingivitis.
Request a Consultation Today
Are bleeding gums common for you? Treat symptoms of gum disease before they worsen. Call Dr. Adams to treat bleeding gums in Rogers, AR, and restore your smile today at (479) 431-4212. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Adams here.
Be sure to ask Dr. Adams any remaining questions about bleeding gums. She’s here to help you learn more about your oral health and stop problems like bleeding gums.