Have you noticed blood when brushing or flossing your teeth? You might think its not that big of a deal, but bleeding gums could actually be a warning sign of something more serious – gum disease. If so, ignoring your bleeding gums could make the problem worse, possibly leading to tooth loss!
At Sarum Dental in Salisbury, we take gum health seriously. That’s why we want to make sure our patients are informed on how bleeding gums occur, what it means for their oral health, and what they can do to prevent more complicated dental problems from developing.
So, what causes bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease). This happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and irritates your gums. If gingivitis is left untreated, it could potentially lead to periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease that causes damage to the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
Other causes of bleeding gums can include:
- Brushing far too hard and irritating the gums.
- Not brushing or flossing regularly allowing plaque to accumulate.
- Smoking, which weakens the immune system and makes the gums more susceptible to infection.
- Hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause, which make the gums more sensitive.
How can you prevent gum disease?
The best way to avoid developing gum disease is through prevention.
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste – make sure to be gentle!
- Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
- Visit Sarum Dental in Salisbury every six months for a professional clean and check-up.
What to do if you notice bleeding gums?
If you notice that your gums bleed when you brush, then it’s important to address this as soon as possible. By booking a check-up with your local Salisbury dentist at Sarum Dental, we can advise on the cause of bleeding and how to best treat the issue.
If you have gingivitis, we will recommend routinely visiting our hygienist who will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove plaque and tartar from those areas in your mouth that are hard-to-reach with just regular brushing and flossing.
For more advanced gum disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing, which involves cleaning below the gum line and facilitates the reattachment of the gum to the teeth. This helps the condition from further progression.
Should your condition be more severe, we can discuss possible surgical options to treat infection and restore your gum health. But don’t worry. Your Sarum dentist will discuss all your options and guide you through the treatment plan every step of the way.