Bleeding Gums Treatment Chapel Hill, NC

According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older have an advanced gum disease. When plaque builds up on your teeth, your gums begin to separate and then recede from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains germs that irritate the gum tissue. When you brush your teeth or floss, your gums bleed from the inflammation and irritation. We treat bleeding gums in our Chapel Hill, NC office as a part of common gum disease symptoms and dental concerns.

Bleeding gums are usually present in the beginning stages of gum disease. Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, is often marked by swollen and bleeding gums. These symptoms can progress into periodontitis if the patient does not seek treatment as soon as possible. If you have periodontitis, you risk bone and tooth loss.

Routine visits to the dentist can help you prevent and manage gum disease at any stage. Dr. Furgurson offers comprehensive periodontal care and screens patients for gum disease every visit. Bleeding gums can also be caused by other things such as pregnancy, smoking, flossing and brushing too hard, and wearing ill-fitting dentures.

Bleeding Gums in Chapel Hill NC

How to Treat Bleeding Gums in Chapel Hill, NC

If you notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you should let Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White know during your next visit. Depending on your condition, there are several treatment options for bleeding gums.

Routine Dental Cleaning

Regular preventive dental care is The best way to prevent gum disease and bleeding gums. A dental hygienist will perform the dental cleanings. They will gently remove plaque and tartar from around the teeth and gums. Regular visits will ensure that your gums remain healthy and plaque-free and reduce your chance of experiencing bleeding gums.

Scaling and Root Planing

If you have bleeding gums, Dr. Furgurson may recommend an intensive cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. During scaling, Dr. Furgurson will remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets of the gums.

Then, he will remove bacterial buildup on the tooth roots. During root planing, he smooths the surface of tooth roots to help them reattach to the gums. He may also recommend placing antibiotics in the gum pockets to help them as they heal. Dr. Furgurson may suggest you visit multiple times yearly for a gum cleaning if you continue to experience gum problems. 

Gum Therapy

Periodontal therapy can include any of the treatments above and gum surgery for patients suffering from periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease. We may perform gum surgery in our Chapel Hill dental office using a special dental laser or refer you to a specialist for treatment.

Laser gum therapy is a less invasive alternative to gum surgery. Using a laser, we can remove diseased gum tissue. The laser is sterile so that we can remove harmful bacteria from the gum pockets. 

How To Avoid Bleeding Gums

Aggressive brushing and flossing can cause bleeding gums even when gum disease is not an issue. Always use a soft toothbrush and brush using a gentle, circular motion. Brushing back and forth can damage gums, making them more likely to bleed or recede.

When flossing, carefully slide the floss between teeth and gently follow the curve of each tooth. Forcing the floss up and down can cut gums, causing them to bleed. Flossing before brushing and then brushing gently can help reverse bleeding gums in their earliest stages. 

Pregnant women are at an increased risk of bleeding gums. Changes in hormone levels can increase gum sensitivity. If you are pregnant and notice your gums bleeding, keep up with your regular visits to our Chapel Hill dentist’s office. Pregnant women can safely receive routine dental care in the second trimester. 

We also recommend that you continue to brush and floss regularly but be extra cautious around sensitive gum tissue to prevent bleeding.

Bleeding Gums FAQs

Learn more about treating bleeding gums with answers to these common questions from our patients: 

What is the fastest way to fix bleeding gums?

The fastest way to fix bleeding gums is to practice good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, floss your teeth regularly, and remember to use mouthwash. You may also use an ice pack to soothe bleeding gums. Using a warm saltwater rinse is another great way to soothe bleeding gums.

What does it mean if my gums randomly bleed?

Bleeding gums may be a sign of health issues. The most common cause is gingivitis, which occurs when excess plaque buildup at the gum line inflames the gum tissue. Gums may also bleed due to hormonal issues or if you brush and floss too hard. 

Does stress cause bleeding gums?

Stress may be the cause of bleeding gums. Stress weakens your immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to fight bacteria and infection. Patients with severe stress are very likely to have bleeding and inflamed gums.

What foods help heal gums?

Patients with damaged or inflamed gums may try changing their diet to see if it affects their gum health. Fruits, vegetables, yogurt, tea, nuts, and whole grains can all help to boost gum health. We also advise increasing your water intake, as hydration is vital to the body’s healing processes.

What vitamins help gums?

We recommend that patients increase their Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Omega 3s, Melatonin, and Zinc if they struggle with bleeding gums. All of these vitamins can help to boost gum tissue health.

Can gums grow back?

Once your gums recede or suffer from damage, they cannot grow back. Your body is not capable of regenerating gum tissue. However, our dentist can perform a gum graft to repair the gums.

Treat Your Bleeding Gums Today

Are you noticing bleeding when you brush and floss? Treat your bleeding gums for good and prevent gum disease. Call Dr. Jim Furgurson for gum treatment at 919.736.6175 or schedule a dental appointment online. 

Please let us know if you have questions about your gum health. We’re here to help.