Almost everyone will have bleeding gums at some point. But if your gums bleed often, reach out to our dental office because it could be an early sign of gum disease. This is one of the most common issues we treat at our Hunt Valley dental office. Dr. Roham Rafat, a periodontist serving Hunt Valley, Sparks, and Phoenix, MD, offers specialized care for patients with bleeding gums and all stages of gum disease.
Gum disease is the most widespread dental problem among American adults, with three out of four people having some form of it. The good news is that when caught early, gum disease is easy to treat. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings help catch gum disease in its early stages and prevent the need for more complex treatment.
Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses through different stages, with the earliest stage known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is marked by swollen gums. Some signs of gingivitis and gum disease include:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Sore gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
Gingivitis happens when plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums every day. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, which irritates your gums. This irritation causes swelling, redness, and tenderness, which are the main signs of gingivitis.
Other things that can cause gingivitis include:
- Not brushing and flossing enough: When you don’t clean your teeth well, plaque builds up.
- Smoking or using tobacco: Tobacco products can harm your gums and make them more likely to get infected.
- Changes in hormones: Pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to gingivitis.
- Certain health problems: Conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer can affect gum health.
- Some medications: Certain drugs can cause dry mouth, which can lead to gum problems.
- Unhealthy diet: Not getting enough vitamins, especially vitamin C, can weaken your gums and make it harder for your body to fight off infection.
If you don’t treat gingivitis, it can lead to more serious gum disease. That’s why it’s important to keep your teeth clean and visit the dentist regularly.
Common Reasons Why Your Gums Bleed
If you have bleeding gums, you should seek professional treatment. Don’t try to self-medicate with ointments or over-the-counter medications. A periodontist like Dr. Rafat specializes in treating gum disease and can guide you on the best treatment for your situation.
Bleeding gums can happen for different reasons, so it’s important to figure out what might be causing it. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Am I Brushing Too Hard? If you press too hard while brushing, it can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Try using a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush gently.
- Do I Eat Too Many Hard Snacks? Foods like tortilla chips can scratch your gums and make them bleed. They can also get stuck between your gums and teeth, causing infections. Floss after eating these types of foods to prevent problems.
- Are My Medications Affecting My Oral Health? Some medicines, whether over-the-counter or prescribed, can make your gums bleed or recede. Certain medications can also cause gum swelling and lead to gum disease. Talk to your doctor to see if your medication might be affecting your gums.
Always check with a dentist before deciding what’s causing your bleeding gums. At Valley Dental Health, we’re here to help improve your long-term oral health.
Treatment For Bleeding Gums
If you’re showing early signs of gum disease, Dr. Rafat might suggest a deep dental cleaning or a procedure called scaling and root planing. This involves a thorough cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from deep under your gums and smooths the root surfaces.
Your dentist might also recommend coming in more often to keep an eye on your gums and make sure they stay healthy.
Arestin®
Dr. Rafat may use Arestin®, a strong antibiotic, to treat gum disease. Arestin® is applied during scaling and root planing to target bacteria deep in the gum pockets. It’s more effective than taking an oral antibiotic because it works directly where you need it.
For more serious gum problems, Dr. Rafat may suggest other treatments. In severe cases, he might recommend gum surgery.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Why Do Gums Bleed While Brushing?
Bleeding gums after brushing is something many people experience. It’s usually not a major issue but can be a sign that your gums are sensitive to the pressure you’re using or that plaque has built up on your teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to gum disease over time. That’s why it’s important to brush daily, so your teeth and gums become less sensitive and stay healthy.
Should You Keep Brushing Bleeding Gums?
If your gums bleed every time you brush, it could be a sign of gum disease. Continuing to brush too hard can make your gums even more swollen, red, and irritated. Don’t ignore bleeding gums—schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to get it checked out.
Can Saltwater Rinse Heal Bleeding Gums?
One way to help stop bleeding gums is by rinsing with saltwater. Saltwater can reduce irritation, redness, and swelling. To make a saltwater rinse, mix a tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water. The salt and warmth work together to help remove plaque and bacteria that can cause infection.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
If your gums are bleeding or sore, schedule a check-up with Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat in the Hunt Valley area. They can do a periodontal screening to see if there are any signs of gum disease. Call 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online. Join us as we welcome new patients from Cockeysville, Hunt Valley, Sparks, Lutherville, Phoenix, Timonium and beyond.