Most people think bleeding gums are caused by poor oral health. While this is true, bleeding gums can also be caused by illness, dental procedures, or other injuries. No matter the cause, treating bleeding gums to maintain oral health is essential!
What are Bleeding Gums
While bleeding gums can be a symptom of other diseases, they are also a condition. Irritated, swollen, and red gums can bleed while brushing teeth, eating, and flossing. While many people are embarrassed about their bleeding gums, it is easily rectified with treatment and an oral health routine to maintain the best oral hygiene!
Leaving bleeding gums untreated leads to serious heart problems, systemic infection, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
Gum Bleeding Symptoms
Gingivitis is the most common early stage of gum disease, affecting the base of the gums. Individuals with gingivitis have bad breath, sore or tender gums, and dark red or bright red gums. Their gums are swollen with a “puffy” appearance, and they bleed easily when brushing their teeth or flossing. When gingivitis is untreated, it causes periodontal disease.
Periodontitis a moderate stage of gum disease, is caused by bacterial infection that results in bleeding and swollen gums. It can also shrink your gums, causing tooth loss. If not treated, periodontitis can damage the jawbone, resulting in poor tooth mobility and lost teeth.
Trench Mouth is the most severe form of gum disease. It is also called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG). Trench mouth causes painful swelling and bleeding gums. The ulcers and lesions caused by this form between teeth are lethal to your gums. It leaves a gray to yellow film on your gums. If your trench mouth is not treated, it can destroy gum tissue and eventually spread to your lips, jawbone, and cheeks.
Dentures and gums require daily cleaning. It is also essential that dentures fit well. Poorly fitting dentures damage the gums and can cause them to swell and bleed. They also make it more difficult to chew and talk.
If you have natural teeth on the top or bottom and one denture, poor oral health will lead to swollen, damaged gums and plaque on your remaining teeth.
Vitamin K Deficiency is an insufficient level of Vitamin K in the body. Loss of Vitamin K stops blood from clotting, making you bleed, which extends to your gums. The bacteria in our intestines produce vitamin K. Your best source of Vitamin K comes with good nutrition.
If you have unexplained nose bleeds, bruising, bleeding gums, pale skin, petechiae (small red dots), vomiting, jaundice, or feeling sleepy, your Vitamin K level may be low.
Vitamin K is also used if your gums are bleeding due to blood thinners you may be taking. Make sure your dental provider is aware you are on blood thinners!
Diabetes is very common globally. The high blood sugars and abundance of carbohydrates eaten lead to Periodontal disease. Diabetes puts individuals at risk for dry mouth and thrush (A fungal infection resulting in painful white patches on your mucosal lining). Diabetes also slows healing time, making symptoms of periodontal disease harder to heal.
How are Bleeding Gums Treated
Treating bleeding gums is critical. Gum disease can damage ligaments and bone anchoring your teeth, promoting tooth loss. Bleeding gums should never be ignored!
Dental providers treat bleeding gums based on their cause.
- Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infection
- Deep dental cleaning, known as root planing and teeth scaling, removes periodontal disease by removing tartar and plaque at the gum line.
- Laser Periodontal surgery uses a precision laser to remove bacteria and damaged gum tissue. Because the lasers are non-invasive, healing time is quick and doesn’t require stitches
- Osseous surgery is the most invasive periodontal treatment. It involves removing the bacteria pockets at the gum line under local anesthesia. When the bone damage is significant, the bone is reshaped to secure the teeth and prevent further bone loss. A bone graft may also be performed during this surgery.
- A Home-based oral routine done twice daily at home will be prescribed to maintain your improved oral health
Tips to Prevent Gum Bleeding
Good oral health eliminates gum disease and bleeding. Follow a strict dental routine.
- Brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste two to three times daily.
- Floss daily and carry floss so you can floss on the go
- Ditch the stiff-bristled toothbrush for a soft-bristled option
- Use a warm salt water rinse between meals
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse daily
- Stop smoking
When to See a Dental Professional
If your gums have been bleeding for fourteen days or longer, it is time to see a dental professional. This can also include you, the Primary Care Physician if you have Diabetes or a Vitamin K deficiency. After they do an exam, they will offer options and help you choose the one for you!
Have you heard that Shtern Dental Clinic is the number one clinic in Cancun? The Clinic is decorated with fun, calming murals and soft music that provide the backdrop to the best quality dental care you can afford! The bilingual dental staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They can help you schedule an appointment at a minute’s notice. We treat everything from periodontal disease to dental crowns and all-on-4 dental implants.
Take a break from life’s stressors and improve your dental health with a trip to Cancun today! Whether you’re looking for Cancun dental care, veneers in Cancun, root canal in Cancun, or advanced procedures like a sinus lift, Shtern Dental Clinic offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs—all in a relaxing, world-class setting.
