Despite what some people think, a little blood in the sink after brushing your teeth is not normal. Bleeding gums are a common sign of early gum disease. They indicate that infection may be present and should be addressed immediately. Dr. Jason Baldwin offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for the signs and symptoms of gum disease. He treats bleeding gums in Truckee, CA, to restore health and prevent further damage to either gum tissue or teeth.
The gums support the teeth. Poor gum health can lead to loose teeth, shifting teeth, and tooth loss. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, often goes undetected and undiagnosed if you are not visiting the dentist regularly.
Unfortunately, most patients do not realize they have gum disease until it has advanced. Patients will only visit the dentist if their gum problems cause noticeable damage or symptoms. This can often result in the need for extensive treatment to restore dental health and may also affect overall health and well-being.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding when brushing or flossing often indicates that the gums are irritated or inflamed. Gum inflammation usually occurs due to plaque building up along the gum line. This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Addressing gingivitis as soon as possible can avoid further progression of periodontal disease. There are other reasons for bleeding gums, including:
- Pregnancy: Increased hormone levels can make the gums sensitive and prone to bleeding. During pregnancy, progesterone can increase gum sensitivity in some women.
- Aggressive tooth brushing: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush and brushing too hard can cause bleeding gums. Sometimes, brushing gently can stop bleeding gums if patients do not have additional symptoms.
- Smoking: Tobacco products restrict blood flow to the gums. Patients who vape or smoke will find it challenging to improve their oral health as they use tobacco products.
- Medical conditions: Certain health issues can lead to sensitive and bleeding gums. Diabetes and chronic illnesses can increase the chance of patients developing gum problems.
- Poor nutrition: Vitamin deficiencies and nutritional concerns can lead to bleeding gums and periodontal disease. Often, you can experience bleeding gums if you do not get enough Vitamin C.
What Are My Treatment Options For Bleeding Gums in Truckee, CA?
Dr. Baldwin will screen for gum disease during routine preventive care visits. Regular screenings are another critical reason to visit his Truckee, CA, dentist’s office at least twice a year.
He and his staff will provide personalized hygiene advice for keeping your gums healthy between visits. We want you to avoid dental problems and enjoy overall better health. Your gum health is linked to your overall well-being.
Gum disease affects the severity and frequency of cardiovascular and systemic diseases. Inflammation that affects the gums can spread through the bloodstream. Ultimately, as inflammation spreads to the heart, it can increase stroke, heart attacks, or other heart issues.
If you have noticed that your gums bleed during routine tooth brushing or eating, you may have gum problems. Mention your symptoms during your visits to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment options for bleeding gums can include:
- Dental cleanings: Patients with gingivitis often need a more thorough oral hygiene routine to help reverse their symptoms. We also provide regular dental cleanings to remove bacterial buildup from the teeth.
- Scaling and root planing: This is usually the first step in treating gum disease. Scaling is a deep cleaning below the gum line to clean out the plaque building up. After scaling, we perform root planing to remove bacterial buildup from the tooth roots. Patients with
- Additional dental visits or antibacterial at-home products: Your dentist will want to see you more than twice a year if you suffer from gum disease. He will prescribe extra products to use at home to help eliminate gum disease. Antibacterial rinses can help minimize harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Laser dentistry: Dental lasers can remove inflamed tissue around the tooth roots. Dr. Baldwin is a Certified LANAP clinician certified by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD). Lasers are preferable to traditional oral surgery because lasers offer quiet and comfortable treatment.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Is bad breath an early symptom of gum disease?
Bad breath, receding gums, sensitivity to brushing and flossing, red gums, and loose teeth are all early symptoms of gum disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for an extended period, you should see your dentist. Ask your dentist if they are concerned about your gum health.
Mouthwash is also an excellent solution to try when experiencing bad breath. Additionally, brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth and gums can minimize bacteria on the tongue.
What causes periodontal disease?
Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of periodontal disease. Leftover food in the mouth attracts harmful bacteria. As these bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in the mouth, they irritate and inflame the gum tissue. Over time, plaque, or bacterial buildup, forms between the teeth.
When plaque forms near or underneath the gums and is not cleaned, it will harden to form tartar. Plaque and tartar contribute to worsening gum health. Smoking tobacco, obesity, and recreational drug use can also contribute to gum disease.
What are periodontal diseases?
Periodontal diseases are serious infections of the gum that attack the soft tissue. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis is the first and mildest stage of gum disease. Periodontal diseases are broken up into four stages.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis. Then, it develops into slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Each stage increases the chance of needing surgery.
Schedule a Dental Exam to Treat Bleeding Gums in Truckee, CA
Restoring healthy gums is essential for preserving the health and integrity of your teeth. Gum disease remains a leading cause of tooth loss in adults today. Visit our Truckee dentist’s office to learn more about improving your gum health. Explore your treatment options for gum disease. Call (530) 206-0392 or schedule a dental appointment online.