What Causes Bleeding Gums?
According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older have an advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. When you get a buildup of plaque on your teeth, your gums will 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 will bleed from the inflammation and irritation.
Bleeding gums is usually present in the beginning stages of gum disease. This is gingivitis and it 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 on every visit.
Bleeding gums can also be caused by other things such as pregnancy, flossing and brushing your teeth too hard, and wearing dentures that do not fit correctly.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums
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. There are a number of treatment options for bleeding gums, depending on your condition.
Routine Dental Cleaning
The best way for you to prevent gum disease and bleeding gums is with regular preventive dental care. 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 & Root Planing
If you have bleeding gums, Dr. Furgurson may recommend an intensive cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. Dr. Furgurson will remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets of the gum and smooth the surface of tooth roots.
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy can include any of the treatments above as well as gum surgery for patients suffering from periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease. We may perform periodontal therapy and gum surgery in our Chapel Hill dental office using a special dental laser or refer you to a specialist for treatment.
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 and make them more likely to bleed and/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.
If you are pregnant, please be sure to keep up with your regular visits to our Chapel Hill dentist office to make sure you maintain your oral health. Please continue to brush and floss regularly, but be extra cautious around sensitive gum tissue to prevent bleeding.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
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 don’t forget to use mouthwash. Patients 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 for bleeding gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflamed gums, caused by excess plaque buildup at the gum line. Gums may also bleed due to hormonal issues, and aggressive tooth brushing and flossing.
Does stress cause bleeding gums?
Stress may be the cause for bleeding gums. Stress weakens patients’ immune systems making it more difficult for the body to fight off 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 key to the body’s healing processes.
What vitamins help gums?
We recommend patients with bleeding gums increase their intake of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Omega 3s, Melatonin, and Zinc if they are struggling 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 your dentist can perform a gum graft to repair the gums.