My Gums Are Bleeding, What’s Next?

Noticing a little bit of pink left over in the sink after brushing your teeth? Although slight bleeding might seem normal while flossing or brushing, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Bleeding gums could point to one of several dental problems, and often, they’re symptoms of gum disease.

Usually, gum disease is not painful, and many people don’t know they have it until late-stage periodontitis. Prevention through responsible oral care is a must, but if you notice bleeding or other signs of dental issues, we can help.

Family and cosmetic dentist Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, has made it his life’s mission to help families and individuals treat gum disease and maintain proper oral hygiene. Dr. Hauser is well-known in Riverside County and has been perfecting his craft for more than 20 years.

If you’re in need of a great cosmetic or general dentist, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

My Gums are Bleeding Because…

Bleeding gums, although usually associated with gum disease, can also result from other issues. So, if you’re left wondering why your gums are bleeding, it could be the result of:

• Hard brushing
• Vitamin deficiency
• Blood thinners
• Clotting or bleeding disorders
• Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Mouth sores
• Medical problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or leukemia

Regardless of the cause, it’s important to see a specialist. Self-diagnoses can be harmful because only a medical professional or dentist is formally trained to find the cause of bleeding gums and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment for Bleeding Gums

The best way to treat bleeding gums is to remove all of the plaque-causing bacteria causing the disease to progress. When dental plaque accumulates, it develops into tartar, which is a hard, sticky substance that’s difficult to remove from teeth.

If you’re not visiting a dentist regularly for cleanings, dental tartar may become a breeding ground for more bacteria, which can enter the crevices below the gum-line and cause infection. This has been tied to all sorts of health issues, including stroke and heart attack. For these reasons, it’s vital to schedule dental appointments at least once every six months.

If you notice the following symptoms in addition to bleeding, contact Lakefront Family Dentistry immediately:

• Pockets between the gums and teeth
• Loose teeth
• Change in the way teeth fit together
• Receding gums
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Excessive bleeding while brushing

Seeking treatment earlier rather than later can prevent gingivitis from progressing into a more serious form of periodontal disease. Root planing and scaling are two treatments that slow the process of gum disease.

During these procedures, the patient may receive a local anesthetic. Then, the dentist removes the plaque and flattens rough spots, which prevents the infection from returning. In some cases, when periodontal disease is in its later stages, dental surgery may be necessary.

Stop the Bleeding

The most efficient way to stop bleeding gums is to see a dentist. After treating the issue, Dr. Hauser can offer tips on how to prevent bleeding, such as:

• Using a soft toothbrush
• Brushing properly
• Flossing at least once daily
• Applying pressure to affected areas with a cold compress
• Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide or warm saltwater
• Avoiding mouth rinses that contain alcohol
• Staying away from tobacco products
• Eating a well-adjusted diet
• Avoiding sugar
• Trying an oral irrigation device, also called a “water pick”
• Having your dentures aligned when needed

A fit lifestyle and balanced diet can positively impact oral health. Gums, just like the rest of the body’s tissues, require nutrients and vitamins to maintain vitality. While a proper diet provides these substances, regular exercise improves blood flow, which makes sure these nutrients reach the tissues that need them most. Smoking, on the other hand, is detrimental to oral health; it not only inhibits blood circulation, which increases the gums’ vulnerability to disease, but it also lowers the success rate of gum-disease treatment.

Visit Lakefront Family Dentistry for Pain-free Treatment

It’s never a comfortable feeling to look in the mirror and say, “My gums are bleeding!” Fortunately, though, Dr. Hauser treats gingivitis in-house with a deep cleaning. To ensure patient comfort, he may use a local anesthetic. If you’re in need of a talented cosmetic dentist and want to stop bleeding gums, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!