Ever asked yourself the question, “My gums are bleeding, why?” This is a typical query from many of the patients. It is a question that many patients frequently avoid, though. You may have gum disease if you frequently taste blood or see blood when you brush your teeth. Gum bleeding can occasionally occur and is not a cause for concern. However, if you notice that your gums bleed every time you brush or floss, you should talk to your dentist about it. Read on to find out more about the typical causes of gum bleeding as well as some preventative and remedial measures.

Why Is It Important that I Discuss My Gum Bleeding With My Dentist?

There is no need to be alarmed if you occasionally see a small quantity of blood while brushing and flossing. It may occur for a variety of causes. However, it is always preferable to discuss it with your dentist as soon as possible if you realize gum bleeding has started to become the usual. Even while poor dental hygiene is frequently to blame for bleeding gums, there are other, perhaps more significant causes.

Additionally, even though you may have a moderate case of gum disease that is causing your gums to bleed right now, periodontitis, a far more severe form of gum disease, can develop if it is not treated. Overall, persistent bleeding is a solid indication that you should schedule a dental exam. The earlier you identify the issue that's causing your gums to bleed, the faster you can seek help and treat or reverse it.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

The majority of the time, gingivitis is the cause of bleeding gums. The good news is that if you get the right care, gum disease can actually be reversed in its early stages.Despite being mild, it can advance much more swiftly than you might anticipate. Advanced cases result in periodontitis, which includes far more severe symptoms like discomfort, gum recession, the possibility of infection, and the potential for tooth loss. What then is the reason for your gums bleeding?

Plaque and tartar buildup are the source of the sensitive, irritated gums that are a symptom of gingivitis. Plaque that stays on your teeth and hardens becomes tartar. While brushing and flossing can help remove some plaque, frequent dental cleanings are also necessary to remove plaque from regions between your teeth, along the gum line, and below it where your toothbrush can't get to. Plaque inflammation that becomes hardened might result in bleeding and puffiness.

Plaque will be removed by your dentist before it can lead to gingivitis.

Periodontitis: What Exactly Is It?

As previously stated, gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis if left untreated. Before major problems arise, gum disease in this advanced stage can still be addressed. Included in this is an infection that spreads to the jawbone or the crucial connective tissue between your teeth and gums. Your teeth will become loose and finally fall out if this occurs.

With periodontitis, not only will your gums get swollen and bleed, but you'll also have tooth pain, loose teeth, chewing discomfort, tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and other symptoms. Your body may become infected, resulting in an inflammatory reaction that may need antibiotic treatment. This is why discussing the early indications of gingivitis with your doctor is so crucial. They can give guidelines for appropriate dental hygiene to assist reverse the onset of inevitable gum disease.

Are Dental Problems the Only Reason for Bleeding Gums?

Generally speaking, no. There are additional potential causes of bleeding gums, such as the following:

Tight Dental Appliances: Too-tight dentures and other dental appliances can also result in gum bleeding. You can talk to your dentist about this situation, and they can adjust the fit.

Vitamin deficiency: Gum bleeding can be brought on by vitamin C or K deficiencies. While vitamin C deficiency makes blood vessels more prone to bleeding, vitamin K is essential for aiding in blood clotting.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy might make some women's gums sensitive and bleed.

Your dentist can assist in determining the cause if you discuss bleeding gums with them. However, it's crucial to inform your dentist of any modifications to your medications or your health, as these modifications in certain situations might be the root of your bleeding gums.

Is Gingivitis Reversible?

To answer the question, yes. Your dentist can offer better oral hygiene advice to help slow the progression of your gingivitis if it is detected while it is still in its early stages. Frequently, basic problems with brushing and flossing can be resolved. This is significant since brushing and flossing not only serve to remove plaque but also stimulate the gums to maintain their health. Additionally, your dentist may advise more frequent professional cleanings if they see plaque and tartar accumulation to help lower the risk of gum disease or the advancement of gingivitis.

What Will Take Place If Gingivitis Is Left Untreated?

When gingivitis is left untreated, the gum disease progressively gets worse. You put yourself at greater risk for discomfort, tooth loss, and the need for more extensive and costly dental care. For severe gum disease, periodontal scaling and root planing are necessary. At your dental visits, scaling is used to eliminate plaque, and it's necessary for people with gum disease who get tartar buildup below the gumline.

Root planing is necessary to flatten the root and maintain the teeth linked to your gums after the area has been cleansed. Laser gum treatment is necessary in extremely severe situations. The tartar on the roots of your teeth is removed, and the diseased gum tissue is then removed with a laser.

Are There Any Other Ways To Stop Gum Bleeding?

Yes, you can make a few lifestyle adjustments to help stop gum bleeding. First, you can stop smoking if you do. Smoking has an impact on your general health as well as your risk of developing gum disease. Additionally, you can ensure that you go to your scheduled dental examinations and cleanings to decrease plaque and monitor the condition of your gums. Last but not least, you can increase your intake of foods high in vitamin C and vitamin K, such as more fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.

As the popular saying goes, “Prevention is always better than cure.” When you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine and schedule routine dental cleanings, you lower your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and bleeding gums.

To set up an appointment, call us at 714- 638-9370 right away.