Bleeding Gums Hunt Valley MD | Gum Disease

Bleeding GumsAn Overview

At some point, practically everyone will experience bleeding gums. If you experience persistent bleeding gums, contact our dental office because you may be experiencing early signs of gum disease. Dr. Roham Rafat is a periodontist near Hunt Valley, Sparks and Phoenix, MD. We offer periodontal therapy for patients experiencing bleeding gums and all stages of gum disease.

Gum disease is the most chronic dental condition affecting American adults. Three-quarters of adults have some form of gum disease. When treated early, gum disease is easy to cure. Routine visits to the dentist for screening and professional teeth cleaning can help you intercept problems in the early stage and avoid complicated treatment.

Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease has several stages. The earliest stage is called Gingivitis, characterized by an inflammation of the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease may include:

Swollen gums
Bleeding gums
Sore gums
Receding gums
Persistent bad breath

Why Do My Gums Bleed?

There are a couple of reasons why your gums are bleeding while brushing your teeth, or eating foods. The most common reason is mentioned above, but there may be other reasons. Ask yourself the following questions to get to the root of the cause.

Am I brushing too hard? Pushing down on your toothbrush too hard while you brush your teeth can cause gum irritation and bleeding. Try using a soft-bristle toothbrush and push lightly.

Do I eat too many hard snacks? Foods like tortilla chips can scratch your gums and cause bleeding. They can also get stuck between your gums and tooth roots, causing infections. Try flossing after eating these hard foods to prevent inflammation.

Are my medications affecting my oral health? You may be taking over-the-counter or prescribed medications that cause your gums to bleed or recede. Certain medications can cause gum inflammation, and contribute to the progression of periodontal disease. Consult with your physician or prescribing doctor for more information.

Always consult with a dental professional before coming to any conclusions. Valley Dental Health is your local dentistry dedicated to improving your long-term oral health.

Bleeding Gums What to Expect

If you have bleeding gums, you should seek professional treatment. Do not attempt to self-medicate with ointments or over-the-counter medications. A periodontist like Dr. Rafat is a dentist that specializes in the treatment of gum disease. Dr. Rafat can advise you on the best treatment for your situation.

Treatment for Bleeding Gums

If you have early signs of gum disease, Dr. Rafat may recommend an intensive dental cleaning or a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is an in-depth cleaning which removes plaque and tartar from the deep gum pockets and smooths the root surfaces. The dentist may suggest that you make more frequent visits to monitor the health of your gums and be sure that optimal health is restored.

Arestin®
Dr. Rafat also uses Arestin®, a powerful antibiotic, for gum disease treatment. Arestin® is used during scaling and root planing procedures to kill bacteria deep within pockets below the gumline. Arestin® is better than an oral antibiotic because it concentrates treatment only where you need it.

For advanced conditions, Dr. Rafat will recommend other treatments and in extreme cases, he may suggest gum surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have bleeding gums or sore gums, schedule a consultation with Hunt Valley area dentists Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat for a periodontal screening to check for signs of gum disease. Call (410) 803-5587 or request an appointment online.

Bleeding Gums FAQs

Why do gums bleed while brushing?: Gums bleeding after brushing is a common occurrence for many people. It is not an extremely serious concern. It is a sign that your gums are sensitive to the pressure being applied, or plaque buildup on the surface of teeth. This can develop into gum disease overtime, so it is important to brush daily so your teeth and gums become less sensitive to cleaning.
Should you keep brushing bleeding gums?: If your gums are constantly bleeding when you brush it could be a sign of gum disease. Continuing to brush can lead to inflamed, red and irritated gums. If you are experiencing bleeding gums it is not something to ignore. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Can salt water rinse heal bleeding gums?: A good way to stop your gums from bleeding is to rinse with salt water. Saltwater helps remove irritation, redness, and swelling. The best solution to take a tablespoon of salt mixed in a glass of water. The warmth of the water, and salt helps to remove plaque and bacteria that causes infection.

Bleeding Gums Hunt Valley, MD