What to Do When Your Gums Bleed
Despite our access to oral hygiene products and professional dental services, gum problems are a huge problem in the United States.
One of the first signs of gum disease is bleeding gums. Unfortunately, most will ignore bleeding gums and not get the treatment they need.
At Brightwork Family Dentistry, Dr. Benjamin Crowley and Dr. Diane Iachini don’t want you to be just another statistic. We want to equip you with the tools and treatments you need to be proactive when your gums start to bleed.
Why your gums are bleeding
From improper brushing techniques to blood-thinning medications and vitamin deficiencies, many factors can cause your gums to bleed.
One of the most concerning causes of bleeding gums is diseases like gingivitis — a common and mild form of gum disease caused by plaque build-up.
If treated at the first sign of bleeding, you can reverse the effects of gingivitis. But if left untreated, you risk developing an even more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a harmful gum condition that damages the supportive tissues and bones in your mouth. It can cause your gums to become severely inflamed and infected and to pull away from the roots of your teeth. Other warnings signs of periodontitis include:
Loose teeth
Bad breath
Unpleasant taste in your mouth
Bite changes
Fortunately, there’s a way to stop the progression of gum disease if you take care of both your oral and overall health.
How can you stop bleeding gums?
We believe that you can’t have a healthy smile without healthy gums. That’s why our experts are sharing their best gum care tips. Here are a few steps you can take when your gums bleed.
Focus on oral hygiene
Because plaque build-up is often the cause of bleeding gums, improving your oral hygiene routine is one of the best things you can do to stop your gums from bleeding and reverse gum disease.
Make sure you’re brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Daily flossing is essential to prevent bleeding gums as well.
Another crucial aspect of oral hygiene is by using the correct tools. Toothbrushes with firm bristles irritate your gums, so opt for a brush with softer bristles.
Talk to one of our dentists for even more brushing and flossing tips.
Improve your diet
There’s nothing plaque loves more than sugar, so eating a carb-heavy, sugary diet creates the ideal environment for plaque overgrowth, especially if you don’t brush your teeth regularly.
Try adding more whole foods like vegetables and fruits to your diet to boost your gum health and overall health.
Manage your stress
Stress increases the chances that you’ll skip brushing and flossing and also causes inflammation in your body, making your gums more likely to bleed.
Additionally, stress compromises your body’s immune response, which increases your risk of developing a gum infection. Do your best to avoid stress by engaging in breathing exercises or meditation.
Kick the habit
Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. The toxins in cigarettes and other tobacco products prevent your gums from getting the nutrition they need and can trigger inflammation.
Try to reduce the amount you smoke or stop altogether.
Visit your dentist
There’s no substitute for professional teeth cleaning from Dr. Crowley or Dr. Iachini. Their expertise and dental tools can give your teeth the deep cleaning they need. We also evaluate your teeth for any signs of advanced gum disease and begin treating it quickly.
Don’t waste another day hoping that your gums will stop bleeding on their own. Come see our dentists for a thorough cleaning and expert gum care. Contact our Richmond, Virginia, office to get started today.