What Causes Bleeding Gums?
There are plenty of reasons why your gums are bleeding. These include:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis describes a milder form of gum disease periodontal disease) which causes swelling and irritation in the gingiva. The gingiva is the region surrounding your gum line where plaque and tartar mostly accumulate. The build-up of plaque and tartar in this region makes the gums red and puffy and eventually causes bleeding when brushing and flossing.
Overly Aggressive Brushing
A less heartening cause of bleeding gums is aggressive brushing. Brushing your teeth too hard doesn’t guarantee cleaner teeth. Instead, it only puts you at risk of tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and bleeding gums. The bristles might scrape your gums and cause bleeding. We advise using a soft-bristled brush and brushing gently to avoid hurting your gums.
Eating an Improper Diet
Eating an improper diet is also another leading cause of bleeding gums. Processed foods loaded with sugar and starch encourage the proliferation of mouth bacteria. These mouth bacteria accumulate and irritate the gums, making them bleed easily when brushing. Eat a nutritious diet of organic foods rich in Vitamins A, K, and C to prevent bleeding gums.
Treatment Plan for Bleeding Gums
Dentists treat bleeding gums by addressing the underlying cause. The most effective treatments for gum disease include:
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings remove the plaque and tartar responsible for gingivitis. Dentists use scalers to remove the plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Ultrasonic scalers are sometimes utilized for hardy tartar difficult to remove with ordinary scalers.
Antibiotics
Dentists might sometimes administer antibiotics to help keep the bacteria responsible for gingivitis in check. Antibiotics are usually administered in combination with other treatments for the greatest effect. However, it’s worth noting that no treatment is as effective as maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Bleeding Gums? We’re Here To Help
Brushing off your bleeding gums as something minor could work to the detriment of your oral health. What starts off as bleeding gums could quickly develop into periodontal disease, and before you know it, you have no teeth left. Visit your emergency dentist when you notice bleeding gums to safeguard your smile and dental health.
Contact Stratford Smiles by calling (203) 375-3068 for help with your bleeding gums and other dental emergencies. Our dentists work around the clock to answer your emergency calls.
