When someone has bleeding gums, it’s frequently the result of plaque deposits at the gumline. Plaque harbors harmful bacteria that attack healthy tissue around your teeth. When plaque builds up, the gums become inflamed and irritated. This ultimately can cause them to bleed and lead to a type of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. At DentalWorks – Brunswick, we can provide periodontal cleanings that treat the first stage of gum disease effectively. Our experienced Brunswick, OH team is here to take care of your oral health care needs and answer all of your questions about gum disease.
WHAT DISEASES CAUSE GUMS TO BLEED?
A variety of different things could factor into a patient’s bleeding gums. The leading reasons for bleeding gums are gingivitis and periodontitis. Some vitamin deficiencies have also been linked to bleeding gums. Those who wear dentures may experience bleeding when their dentures fit too tightly. If this is the case, visit your dentist for a proper adjustment.
In addition, gum disease may be related to certain other health problems, such as diabetes (both types), stroke, heart disease, and malignant tumors. This is why it’s important to never ignore your bleeding gums. Periodontitis is linked to many serious health concerns, such as the increased risk of heart disease and stroke and an increased chance of complications while pregnant. This makes it that much more vital to treat the cause of the bleeding as soon as possible before it evolves into more serious health issues.
RISK FACTORS FOR GUM DISEASE
It’s possible that you could have an elevated risk of developing gum disease when certain genetic or behavioral factors are present:
Age: The likelihood of getting gum disease increases with age.
Stress: Stress is linked to periodontal disease as it makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.
Genetics: Some people are just naturally predisposed to develop gum disease.
Smoking: Smokers have nearly twice the risk of getting gum disease compared to non-smokers.
Poor oral hygiene: When you do not follow a proper and thorough at-home oral hygiene routine, you’re more likely to develop plaque buildup that can lead to gum disease.
SIGNS OF GINGIVITIS
Usually not a cause of pain for most individuals, gingivitis is a non-destructive phase of periodontal disease. In this phase, bleeding gums may be your only symptom. Some other signs of gingivitis may include:
Swollen, red, or tender gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Change in bite
Gingivitis is very easy to address and can be reversed with a deep cleaning of your teeth at DentalWorks – Brunswick. However, when left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis and eventually lead to the loss of teeth.
HOW GINGIVITIS LEADS TO PERIODONTITIS
If neglected, plaque accumulation can lead to the gumline withdrawing from the teeth and, in severe situations, gum erosion. When this gum recession occurs, pockets can form between the teeth and the gums. Harmful bacteria can get trapped inside these pockets, which attacks the gums and bone that support the teeth. This can lead to tooth and bone loss. Painful abscesses and drifting of the teeth can also occur.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING IN Brunswick, OH
At DentalWorks – Brunswick, we do deep gum cleanings, also called SRP, or scaling and root planing, for patients suffering from bleeding gum tissue and periodontal disease. When you show indications of periodontal disease, it’s important to have your teeth and gums examined by our knowledgeable team. Treating gum disease may require multiple visits in order to avoid more invasive procedures later. Scaling and root planing are treatments performed to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup under the gumline. During a deep periodontal cleaning, our dentist uses a scaler to get rid of this buildup. Next, we smooth the tooth to eliminate any crevices where bacteria can hide and cause an infection. This treatment option is recommended for those with gum pockets that are deeper than 3 millimeters. This nonsurgical gum disease treatment can improve bleeding gums and prevent other dental problems such as tooth loss.
TREAT BLEEDING GUMS QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY
DentalWorks – Brunswick is proud to perform the most effective care methods in order to help with your bleeding, swollen, and inflamed gum tissues. We set out to treat early stages of gum disease to help our patients avoid more advanced stages that require more extensive procedures. Our professional team can provide a thorough dental examination to determine whether or not you have gum disease and if so, what stage. From there, we can correct gingivitis using scaling and root planing in addition to periodontal cleanings. To schedule an appointment to address your bleeding gums, call our office in Brunswick, OH today.
Once you see that your gums are red, inflamed, or bleeding, you should see a dentist. Here are some tips on how to prevent bleeding gums:
Follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day ensures that there is no plaque buildup that can lead to gingivitis.
Use a fluoride mouth rinse. Use a fluoridated mouthwash after you brush your teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Maintain a regular dental cleaning and exam schedule. Preventive dentistry focuses on ensuring that oral health remains at its best. Bi-annual dental cleanings and annual dental exams detect dental problems before they become painful or more advanced, which can lead to the need for more costly or extensive treatments.
Stop smoking. Smoking makes it harder for your body to fight off plaque, which leads to gum disease. Quitting smoking can help to heal your gums and stop bleeding.
Eat more vitamin C rich food. A vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum bleeding. Eat more foods such as carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, or red peppers, which help strengthen the immune system and fight off gum infections that lead to bleeding gums.
