Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? You may be developing gingivitis, the predecessor to periodontitis, or gum disease. Periodontitis is a fairly common disease and dental concern, affecting 3 million Americans each year. However, it can lead to tooth loss and gum recession in the late stages of the disease. Dr. Ned Greenberg offers gum disease treatment with periodontal therapy to patients with bleeding gums in the Baltimore County area. Learn more about how to treat and prevent gum disease below and the common signs of gum disease.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are multiple symptoms of gum disease to look out for:
- Gum recession
- Shifting teeth
- Halitosis (Bad breath)
- Loose teeth
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, schedule a dental exam and gum evaluation with Dr. Greenberg. When untreated, gum disease can lead to heart problems like cardiovascular disease, strokes, and heart attacks. We will work with you to find an effective treatment option to prevent future dental and health problems from developing.
Treating Gum Disease
There are surgical and non-surgical treatments that treat gum disease. Non-surgical treatments include antibiotics, scaling, and root planing. Antibiotics can help eliminate bacteria that cause gum infections. Scaling and root planing are treatments used in tandem. Scaling removes bacteria and tartar from between teeth and on the gums. Root planing also removes inflammation-causing bacteria by smoothing down tooth roots and helping them reattach to the gums.
Surgical gum treatments may include pocket reduction or flap surgery, bone grafting, and tissue regeneration. Flap surgery exposes the tooth roots for more effective scaling and planing. When the gums recede, patients will need bone grafting, which takes bone tissue from a different area of the mouth to support the gums. The aim of all of these treatments is to promote gum regrowth.
There are also preventative measures patients can take to stop gum disease from developing in the first place. Visiting the dentist twice a year for regular dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease. To prevent gum inflammation from developing into periodontitis, remember to brush and floss twice a day, and even after meals.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
How can I stop bleeding gums?
The best way to stop bleeding gums from progressing into disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth gently twice a day and having a good routine with flossing will help stop bleeding gums. It is also useful to rinse with warm salt water to soothe your gums and remove any bacteria.
When should I be concerned about bleeding gums?
There are several causes of bleeding gums, and some are more concerning than others. The best way to know if you should be concerned about your bleeding gums is to visit your dentist. They will be able to find what is causing your bleeding gums, and they can help you fix the issue.
What do bleeding gums indicate?
Bleeding gums are commonly a stress response. It is also typically caused by gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Hormonal changes in females may also cause bleeding gums.