When someone has bleeding gums, it’s typically caused by plaque accumulating at the gumline. Plaque contains damaging bacteria that attack healthy tissue around your teeth. When plaque builds up, the gums become inflamed and irritated. This ultimately can cause them to bleed and lead to a type of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. At DentalWorks – Concord, we can provide periodontal cleanings that treat the first stage of gum disease effectively. Our experienced Kannapolis, NC team is here to take care of your oral health care needs and answer all of your questions about gum disease.
WHAT DISEASES CAUSE GUMS TO BLEED?
Multiple different conditions could cause the development of bleeding gums. The most common reasons for bleeding gums are gingivitis and periodontitis. Some vitamin deficiencies have also been linked to bleeding gums. Those who wear dentures may experience bleeding when their dentures fit too tightly. If this is the case, visit your dentist for a proper adjustment.
In addition, gum disease has been associated with underlying health issues, like diabetes types 1 and 2, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This is why it’s important to never ignore your bleeding gums. Periodontitis is linked to many serious health concerns, such as the increased risk of heart disease and stroke and an increased chance of complications while pregnant. This makes it that much more vital to treat the cause of the bleeding as soon as possible before it evolves into more serious health issues.
RISK FACTORS FOR GUM DISEASE
Some people may have higher chances of having gum disease in cases where certain genetic or behavioral factors exist:
Age: The likelihood of getting gum disease increases with age.
Stress: Stress is linked to periodontal disease as it makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.
Genetics: Some people are just naturally predisposed to develop gum disease.
Smoking: Smokers have nearly twice the risk of getting gum disease compared to non-smokers.
Poor oral hygiene: When you do not follow a proper and thorough at-home oral hygiene routine, you’re more likely to develop plaque buildup that can lead to gum disease.
SIGNS OF GINGIVITIS
Generally not a cause of discomfort for patients, gingivitis is a less-harmful kind of periodontal disease. With gingivitis, bleeding gums may be your only symptom. Some other signs of gingivitis may include:
Swollen, red, or tender gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Change in bite
Gingivitis is very easy to treat and can be eliminated with a deep cleaning of your teeth at DentalWorks – Concord. However, when left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis and eventually lead to the loss of teeth.
HOW GINGIVITIS LEADS TO PERIODONTITIS
If allowed to linger, plaque buildup can lead to the gumline withdrawing from the enamel and, in extreme situations, gum recession. When this gum erosion occurs, pockets can form between the teeth and the gums. Harmful bacteria can get trapped inside these pockets, which attacks the gums and bone that support the teeth. This can lead to tooth and bone loss. Painful abscesses and drifting of the teeth can also occur.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING IN Kannapolis, NC
At DentalWorks – Concord, we provide deep gum cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, for those with bleeding gum tissue and gum disease. If you exhibit signs of periodontal disease, you need to have your teeth and gums evaluated by our skilled team. Treating gum disease may require multiple visits in order to avoid more invasive procedures later. Scaling and root planing are treatments performed to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup under the gumline. During a deep periodontal cleaning, our dentist uses a scaler to get rid of this buildup. Next, we smooth the tooth to eliminate any crevices where bacteria can hide and cause an infection. This treatment option is recommended for those with gum pockets that are deeper than 3 millimeters. This nonsurgical gum disease treatment can improve bleeding gums and prevent other dental problems such as tooth loss.
TREAT BLEEDING GUMS QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY
DentalWorks – Concord is happy to offer excellent treatment methods to resolve bleeding, tender, and inflamed gum tissues. We set out to treat early stages of gum disease to help our patients avoid more advanced stages that require more extensive procedures. Our professional team can provide a thorough dental examination to determine whether or not you have gum disease and if so, what stage. From there, we can correct gingivitis using scaling and root planing in addition to periodontal cleanings. To schedule an appointment to address your bleeding gums, call our office in Kannapolis, NC today.
Once you see that your gums are red, inflamed, or bleeding, you should see a dentist. Here are some tips on how to prevent bleeding gums:
Follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day ensures that there is no plaque buildup that can lead to gingivitis.
Use a fluoride mouth rinse. Use a fluoridated mouthwash after you brush your teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Maintain a regular dental cleaning and exam schedule. Preventive dentistry focuses on ensuring that oral health remains at its best. Bi-annual dental cleanings and annual dental exams detect dental problems before they become painful or more advanced, which can lead to the need for more costly or extensive treatments.
Stop smoking. Smoking makes it harder for your body to fight off plaque, which leads to gum disease. Quitting smoking can help to heal your gums and stop bleeding.
Eat more vitamin C rich food. A vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum bleeding. Eat more foods such as carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, or red peppers, which help strengthen the immune system and fight off gum infections that lead to bleeding gums.
