Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
If you notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth be aware that this may be a sign of periodontal disease. The most common indication that a patient has developed gum disease is bleeding gums.
Gum disease is commonly underdiagnosed until bacteria begin spreading and causing visible damage to the soft tissues of the mouth or patients to begin to experience changes in the fit of the bite. Bleeding gums is a dental concern that Dr. Heather Adams treats in her Rogers, AK dental office.
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 & The Oral Body Connection
Gum disease is a highly common disease. Affecting nearly 70% of adult patients, gum disease is a serious condition that left untreated can take a toll on the health of your entire body.
As bacteria multiply, they spread, creating deep pockets in the gums, leading to gum recession, and tooth loss and eventually spreading to the bloodstream and beginning to impact the health of your other bodily systems. Patients who have advanced stages of gum disease have a higher risk of developing systemic diseases that could be life-threatening.
Periodontal Disease Increases Your Risk of:
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Facial sagging
- Gum recession
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Heart attack & strokes
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 and restores the damage caused by the spread of the disease. From extensive dental cleanings to gum contouring and the placement of dental implants, our Rogers, AR dentist office can help to fully restore your optimal oral health.
Gum disease is commonly caused by poor oral hygiene and neglecting to 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 as well as make personalized recommendations for the best products for keeping your smile clean and healthy.
Treating Gum Disease
Dr. Adams may use a variety of methods to clean the infection from the teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing are two treatments used together to fight gum disease. Scaling removes the infection from the teeth and gums for a deep clean while root planing smooths down the tooth roots in order for them to reattach to teeth.
Gum contouring is a method of removing infected gum tissue. This method may also restore gum tissue that has receded. Bone grafting is a treatment that regenerates lost bone and tissue to support the teeth.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
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 that are stuck in between your teeth. This may cause your gums to become a little sore or inflamed and when you do floss, you may bleed a little bit.
If you are just adding flossing into your routine, then it may take a little bit for your soft tissues to adjust and heal. However, if you continue to bleed every time you floss, then you may need to be treated for gingivitis.
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. Since you will not experience bleeding gums when brushing and flossing, you may not seek out the treatment you need.
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 and practice good oral hygiene. This includes visiting your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and examination.
In-between visits, you should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. You should also avoid tobacco in any form and eat a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals.
Request a Consultation
Do you want to treat symptoms of gum disease before they worsen? Call Dr. Adams to restore your smile today at (479) 431-4212. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Adams here.