Don’t overlook bleeding gums!

Have you noticed that your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Contrary to some misconceptions, bleeding isn’t normal—it means you’re either brushing or flossing far too hard or that your gum tissue has been weakened by gum disease. If gum disease is the culprit, you’ll need professional guidance and treatment to stop it from getting worse.

Causes of Bleeding Gums

There are many potential causes of bleeding gums, but poor oral hygiene is the most common. During the early stages of gum disease, otherwise known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, plaque builds up along the gumline, leading to inflamed tissue that is more likely to be damaged by brushing and flossing. At this stage, there are often no symptoms other than bad breath and some swelling.

However, gingivitis will eventually progress to periodontitis if left untreated. This more serious stage of gum disease is also likely to lead to bleeding gums, along with more severe long-term symptoms, such as gum recession and even tooth loss.

Another common culprit of bleeding gums is your brushing technique. Some people try to shorten the time they spend brushing by simply scrubbing harder. Not only is this ineffective, but it can harm both your gums and enamel. Instead, brush gently and make use of the full dentist-recommended two minutes (you’ll be surprised how quickly the time flies).

Certain risk factors could also leave you more susceptible to bleeding gums and gum disease. Hormonal changes, which are particularly notable during pregnancy, are one example. Certain medications can also cause or exacerbate bleeding gums. Blood thinners, for example, could make you more likely to experience bleeding in general. When you visit your dentist, make sure to let them know about any medications you’re on, as they could affect the diagnosis and treatment plan to resolve your bleeding gums.

Steps to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious issue that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent it.

• Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent gum disease, as it reduces plaque and bacteria levels that lead to inflammation. Make it a point to gently brush twice per day and carefully floss once per day around each tooth to prevent plaque from accumulating.
• You can also use antiseptic mouthwash to manage the bacteria levels in your mouth. Adding a quick rinse to your oral hygiene routine can have a significant impact; however, it’s not enough to rely on mouthwash alone. It should be an addition to your existing routine, not a replacement for brushing and flossing.
• Regular dental visits are also vital for preventing gum disease. When you visit your dentist, they’ll provide a professional teeth cleaning that removes the stubborn plaque and tartar that at-home brushing often leaves behind. Regular visits will also permit your dentist to identify any signs of gum disease in time for effective intervention.
• Avoiding certain risk factors can help reduce your chances of gum disease as well. Tobacco use is among the most significant. Using tobacco products weakens the immune system and impacts saliva production, both of which increase the risk of gum disease. Quitting can offer a wide range of positive health benefits.

Professional Treatments

You might not need any intervention beyond improving your oral hygiene habits if your dentist identifies gum disease early enough. However, periodontal treatment is sometimes required to prevent further progress or restore health to the gums.

Deep cleaning is an effective treatment for early gum disease that is often carried out in two steps: scaling and root planing. Scaling involves the use of special tools to remove plaque that has built up below the gumline. Root planing then smooths the gum surface near the roots, making it more difficult for plaque deposits to develop.

If your gum disease is advanced, you may need surgical treatments like flap surgery. This involves cutting and lifting the gum tissue to remove deeper embedded plaque and tartar deposits. The gum tissue will then be sutured back into place, reducing the size of pockets to prevent future gum disease.

If you’ve experienced gum recession, a gum graft may be the best option to restore your smile. With this procedure, tissue from another part of the mouth will be transplanted to the gums to restore the gumline. You’ll enjoy enhanced protection against further gum disease, along with a beautiful, balanced smile. Many of these treatments are often combined with antibiotics. Your dentist may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to combat high bacteria levels, particularly after any type of gum surgery.

Taking the Best Care of Your Gums

Gum disease isn’t something you should ignore. If you’ve noticed signs like bleeding, swollen, or red gums, visit us at Lake Pointe Dental Group to find out more about your options. We’re your go-to dentist in OKC for effective gum disease prevention and treatment. Reach out today to book your appointment.